Avila reflects on breaking CHS career goals record

Forward Arturo "Cholo" Avila made four of the seven goals in Cascade’s shutout win over Chelan in the district semifinals on May 7. Avila’s final point in the 65th minute not only boosted the Kodiaks’ already healthy lead, but also brought his career goals to 67, and set a new record in CHS boys soccer history.

It was one of the many bright spots during the Kodiaks' 2019 season, which ended on May 18 in the quarterfinal of the 1A State Championships after a 3-2 loss against Lakeside. Although the season ending defeat still stings for Avila and his teammates, the junior was proud of breaking the school's career goals record and etching his name in CHS history.

“It’s something I really wanted to do since I got to high school,” Avila added.

Cascade Boys Soccer Co-Head Coach Pete Spiegel said it is extremely difficult to score in soccer given that the goal is a small space with a goalie, the only player on the field who can use his hands to help guard the area.

"In my eight years of coaching I have never had a player score 20 goals in a year," Spiegel said. "Cholo has done this in each of his three years. He has a knack for finding small spaces and making defenders miss. The ball seems to be glued to Cholo's feet, and his shots knuckle. When a soccer ball is hit purely, it will have no spin. The ball then moves any which way as it makes its way toward the goal. Goalies have a heck of a time trying to determine where the ball will end up. Cholo strikes the ball like this every time. Finally, and most importantly, Cholo is a good person. He is respectful and kind towards others. He has a bright future in front of him."

Avila has been The Kodiaks’ leading scorer for the past three seasons, scoring 30 goals during his freshman year. In that season, Cascade finished in the 1A Boys Soccer State Championship semifinals, which he described as his favorite soccer memory so far. Even before he entered high school. Avila had brothers and cousins who wore a Kodiaks jersey. He not only wanted to follow in their footsteps, but achieve more success during his time at Cascade.

When it comes to soccer, Avila said his main motivation is to win, though he enjoys sharing the pitch and having fun with his teammates.

Avila has lived in Leavenworth his entire life. He started playing soccer year ago when his dad started a local team. He noted that many of the players on the current Cascade roster also played with him during his younger days.

“We know what everyone can do,” Avila said of his camaraderie with his teammates. “Since we’ve played together since a young age, we have pretty good chemistry.”

Avila noted there are several differences between playing for a club team and competing at the high school level, such as more pressure at the high school level and shorter seasons. 

For Avila, being playing a forward came natural to him and it was a position he realized where he could well. When it comes to pre-game preparation, Avila said he likes to mentally prepares first, then go into the physical aspect of his game. He will focus on areas where he needs improvement and make sure he is at the top of his game for every contest.  

Avila also attributed his success on the pitch to his teammates, one being midfielder Raul Mata, who will be graduating at the end of the year.

“Raul playing up the middle and feeding me the ball,” Avila said. “He played a key role in me scoring a lot of my goals.”

Speigel noted that fans and opponents see Avila's moves, timing and power on the field, but not his tremendous work ethic. 

"He works his tail off during games and in practice. His ethic sets a high bar for all his teammates," Spiegel said. "He never takes a play off."

Avila will have one more season to add to his score total as when he returns for his senior season in a Kodiak uniform. He said is looking forward to achieving more success during his final year in a Cascade uniform.