Cascade boys soccer seeks return to state

The Cascade High School boys soccer team are picking up where they left off last season.

In 2018, the Kodiaks finished with a 13-5 record and second place in the Caribou Trail League standings.

Both head coaches Pete Spiegel and Jesus Sandoval are back to lead the Kodiaks this season. Coach Sandoval noted that the team has a core of great athletes returning to the soccer pitch this year.

Among the returning players are Daniel Sandoval, JoseValdez and Julian Alvarez. Coach Sandoval said all three players “bring a lot to the table,” and provide numerous options on the field. Arturo Avila, who scored 30 goals as a freshman and Efren Guerrero also return to the varsity roster. Both athletes will likely play forwards. Both Raul Mata and Will Piers have experience playing at midfield last season. Eric Rosario, Aidan Arceo and Ricardo Barragan, who all played defense, return to the team. Coach Sandoval added that Alvarez can also play defender.

There are two players competing for the team's open goalie position, previously held by Jose Mendoza. One is Jerome Jerome, who played goalie for JV and put in a lot of work in the offseason. The other goalie candidate is freshman Edgar Mata, who Coach Sandoval said has good footwork and hands. Coach Sandoval noted both players will share the goalie position in the beginning of the season before he and Spiegel decide on a permanent starter.

“It’s still hard to hard to pick without being on the field,” Coach Sandoval said. “We want to see what they’ll give us. It’s a very important position.”

In addition to Mata, the Kodiaks have two other freshmen who will step up to the varsity roster, Derrick Richardson and Owen Bard.

Coach Sandoval said there are enough players for the Kodiaks to have different formation options during games.

“Last year we had a lot of depth, and looking at the bench (this year), I know we have a bunch of guys who are eager to give us good minutes,” Coach Sandoval said.

The Kodiaks were scheduled to begin their season in a nonleague contest against Royal on March 12. They are set to play Prosser in a nonleague game on March 16 at the Wenatchee Apple Bowl.

As for the CTL landscape, Coach Sandoval said Chelan is a tough opponent for Cascade. He noted Cashmere always brings their best effort against the Kodiaks because of the crosstown rivalry.

As for season goals, Coach Sandoval said the team wants to capture both the conference and district titles and reach the final four of the 1A state tournament like they had two years ago.

“I truly believe we have the squad to do it,” he added.