Kodiaks endure 3-2 loss in state quarterfinal

The Cascade High boys soccer team stellar season came to an end on May 18 after a 3-2 loss to Northeast A League’s Lakeside in 1A Boys Soccer State Championship quarterfinal game.

Lakeside took an early lead with a goal early in the first half. Cascade struggled to break through the Eagles’ defense. Raul Mata and Arturo Avila had a couple of close shots late in the frame. In the second half, the Eagles added a goal in the 55th minute.

The Kodiaks did not go down without a fight as Daniel Sandoval prevented the shutout after firing a goal in the 75th minute to cut the Eagles’ lead to one goal. Efren Guerrero scored another goal in the last minute to tie the game.

Just when it seemed like the game would go into overtime, Lakeside scored a goal in the final seconds to end Cascade’s season.

Even after the game was over, Cascade fans gave their team a standing ovation.

Co-Head Coach Pete Spiegel said the Kodiaks played well against Lakeside and noted that the Eagles came at them with three points of attack like he expected.

“We made a few mistakes, especially with that last goal,” he aded. “That’s one we’re not going to forget.”

Coach Spiegel also commended Lakeside as a quality team but thought Cascade played better soccer. The Kodiaks had more corner kicks and played the ball in more dangerous areas. Yet soccer is a sport where the momentum can shift late in the game. 

The loss to Lakeside brings Cascade’s overall record to 14-2-1.

Cascade went unbeaten in the regular season, recording eight shutouts - six of which were consecutive.

The Kodiaks swept their four Caribou Trial League opponents to secure the conference championship and earn a bye in the district tournament. After a 7-0 shutout over Chelan, Cascade lost to Cashmere in the District 6 finals, their first loss of their 2019 campaign.

“We had a great season, I wouldn’t ask for anything more,” he added. “I wouldn’t ask for anything more, we won a game in state and won our league. Right now it’s just disappointing to not put this one away.”

Cascade will lose seniors Mata, Sandoval, Ricardo Barragan, and Jose Valdez to graduation.

“Next year, we’ll miss those guys, they’re the spine of our team, but we’ll still be okay,” Coach Spiegel said.

Several key players are expected to return, including Avila, the team’s leading scorer, and goalkeeper Jerome Jerome.