Cascade boys soccer mauls Prosser in season opener

After three weeks indoors and game cancellations, the Cascade High School boys soccer team began their march toward state on March 16 with a 7-1 nonleague win against Prosser at the Apple Bowl in Wenatchee. 

The Kodiaks gained an early lead in the first 10 minutes of the match after back-to-back goals from Arturo Avila.  Cascade continued their solid passing and footwork throughout the first half. Julian Alvarez chipped in his first goal of the season at the 33rd minute to give the Kodiaks a 3-0 lead in the first half. 

Cascade continued their offensive momentum in the second half as Jose Rivera hit a header goal to boost Cascade’s lead three minutes into the frame. Raul Mata scored the team’s next two goals, the first off of a penalty kick while the second came off an assist from Alvarez. 

Prosser prevented the shutout with a goal late in the second half. Cascade answered with a goal from Efren Guerrero at the 23 minute mark to give the Kodiaks their final point of the game. 

Co-Head Coach Pete Spiegel said he was pleased with how the team played in their first game, despite not having practiced on a live field this season. Like other sports teams, the Kodiaks were forced to practice indoors because of the snow and unplayable field conditions. 

Although practicing indoors limited Cascade in working on their passing and long game, it allowed them to test different formations and player positions, which they applied in the Prosser match. 

“It gets old being in the gym for three weeks,” Spiegel added. “It was the first time on the field and it gave us some energy. It was nice to see and we had lots of opportunities to finish. To get seven goals in a game without being on a field was good to see.” 

Co-Head Coach Jessus Sandoval noted the team was supposed to have played three previous games, but those matches were scratched due to weather. He added that the team's first scheduled Caribou Trail League contest against Omak on March 19 was also canceled. Sandoval the team will still be practicing indoors for the next week or two.

Cascade travels to Toppenish on March 21 to play the 2A Central Washington Athletic Conference Wildcats in a nonleague match.

"We've still got some work to do, but it's a positive start," Spiegel added. 

Visit the Photo Gallery for more images from the game. .