Cascade boys soccer defeats Meridian

CASHMERE, Washington — The rain cleared just in time for the Cascade High School boys soccer team’s April 6 non league match against Meridian in Cashmere.

The Kodiaks added another nonleague win to their 2019 season after their 4-2 victory over the Trojans.

Jose Rivera kicked off the Kodiaks’ scoring with a goal in the sixth minute, followed by another in the 10th to earn a brace and give his team a 2-0 lead. Meridian scored back-to-back goals in the 12th and 24th minutes to tie the score 2-2 at the first half.

The Kodiaks’ speed and defense prevented Meridian from gaining any offensive momentum in the second half. Cascade prevented an overtime after Carlos Vasquez hit a goal in the 49th minute. Jose Valdez added an insurance goal for the Kodiaks in the 58th minute. Co-head Coach Jesus Sandoval said Valdez had been sidelined with an injury, and it was good to see him play and score in the Meridian game.

Coach Sandoval said Cascade played a quality team in the Trojans and that facing challenging opponents like them will allow the Kodiaks to see their strengths and weaknesses on the pitch. He added that he and Co-head Coach Pete Spiegel had players in different positions during the game, and was able to bring players off the bench and give them some match experience. 

“We’re doing better playing on the ground and we played well for the most part, we were pleased to see that,” Coach Sandoval said. “We’re also working on playing from the back with our goalie. We’re looking better.” 

Cascade travels to Okanogan on April 9 to play the northern Bulldogs in a Caribou Trail League contest. 

For more photos of the Cascade versus Meridian match follow the link to the Image Gallery.