Friday, March 29, 2024

Cascade soccer team loses two games at state, finishes fourth

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The Kodiaks came into the state semifinals unbeaten, but as it turned out, they lost their final two games of the season. In the semifinal, the team played Wahluke, a former state champion, but a team which had not been back to the state semifinals for six years. 

Cascade had some confidence knowing Wahluke had lost three times to Connell, a team the Kodiaks beat in the playoffs. So, the two teams squared off on May 26 at Sunset Chev Stadium in Sumner. 

Wahluke scored first, at the 16 minute mark. They would score again just before halftime. It was 2-0 at half with Wahluke leading. 

“That was our first time to play Wahluke. It is a good team. I don’t think we had our best game. I knew we could play a lot better,” said Cascade Head Co-Head Coach Jesus Sandoval. “That was one of our worst halves. The kids just weren’t having their best game.”

Cascade played better in the second half, creating lots of scoring opportunities. Nothing went in until about a minute left, as freshman Arturo Avila scored. Unfortunately, it was a little too late. 

“Wahluke was winning most of the 50-50 balls, so we have to get them credit. We did not have a good game,” Sandoval said. 

Playing on the artificial turf was different, but not the difference, he said. 

“I don’t think so. It was pretty hot. It was different. We can’t make that excuse. We weren’t used to the bouncing of the ball. The timing was a little different too. We just did not play like we’ve been playing,” Sandoval said. “We weren’t playing our game, on the ground, two touches on the ball. We were just kicked long balls. We were having hard time bringing the ball up on the ground where we can be pretty strong.”

In the consolation game on May 27, Cascade faced The Bush School, a west side private school. 

Cascade played much better. Avila scored the first goal of the game. Cascade led 1-0 at half. Things were going to Kodiaks way until an unfortunate call, which changed the momentum of the game. 

“The officiating wasn’t best. Bush had a cross. My defender came out and the ball hit him on the chest. The referee was behind. The Bush School kids called hands. The ref made the call, then he asked the other referees, but none had seen it.,” Sandoval said. “My argument was, why call it if you didn’t see it? He gave them a PK, so they scored on that. It was 1-1 until the 76th minute, they made a run and scored. Definitely the PK goal changed the game.”

Certainly, for the coaches and players, it was tough losing the last two games of the season. 

“It was really tough. It was unfortunate. We had a really good season. We lost the two most important games. It was a bad feeling. We would have liked to finish the season with a win,” Sandoval said. “We were doing a pretty good job with it, but that is soccer. You have the possession, shots on goals, but one thing changes the whole game.”

Sandoval said it was a good experience for the players. 

“We have a lot of young guys. We only have two senior starters. I think the team will be strong next year,” Sandoval said. “We have most of the guys coming back. They know it. We were hoping to take advantage of this opportunity. It didn’t go the way we wanted. We have the experience of being there. Hopefully, we do it better next time.”

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.  

 

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