Monday, March 18, 2024

Kodiak soccer team remains in first place, undefeated on the season

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It has turned into a very special season for the Cascade Kodiaks boys’ soccer team, perhaps one that no one really expected. With a pair of league victories this past week, the Kodiaks are now 6-0 in the Caribou Trail League and 11-0-2 overall. 

On April 18, Cascade played Okanogan at the Apple Bowl in Wenatchee, as their home field was still not playable after some wet weather. In their first game with Okanogan, Cascade Co-Head Coach Pete Spiegel said they played poorly and were lucky to come out with a victory. 

“However, we started the game without any energy. We played ourselves into the game though and soon Arturo Avila found the back of the net. This opened the flood gates. By the end of the first half we were ahead 3-0 with another goal by Avila and a beautiful free kick goal by Raul Mata,” Spiegel said. 

The Kodiaks picked it up in the second half, as Avila scored again, as did Brian Sanchez and Justin Dobrenic. Okanogan managed a late tally, to make the final 6-1. 

On April 20, Cascade played their first home game of the season, fittingly against their rivals from Cashmere. “Everyone was glad to finally be on our own turf. Games against Cashmere are always hard fought. They play a physical style of soccer,” Spiegel said. 

Cascade was the first to score, as Avila, a freshman who leads the team in scoring, made a goal in the first three minutes, then added another five minutes later. Before halftime, Jose Valdez slid a ball past the goaltender to make it a 3-0 game at half. 

A Cashmere player was called for his second yellow card just before half, so they went into the second half down 3-0 and also down a man. 

“In the second half, Cashmere decided that they needed to count on the counter attack to score, so they played a very defensive second half. We added one more goal as our captain, Joseph Blake, scored from the left halfback position. The game ended 4-0,” Spiegel said. 

Cascade hosted Manson on April 24. Results were unavailable before press time. On Thursday, they host Omak. If they beat the Pioneers, they are assured of winning the CTL outright. Next Tuesday, they host Chelan, but the Goats are five points behind. 

If Cascade beats Omak, Chelan can only gain three points on the Kodiaks, which would not be enough to push them out of first place. 

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

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