Soccer team hopes to compete for league title

There is a new wrinkle within the coaching ranks this season for the Kodiak boys’ soccer team. Pete Spiegel and Jesus Sandoval are now co-head coaches. They’ll be joined by former Kodiak standout, David Vasquez. 

“We have a really nice coaching staff. We all work together. In terms of coaching know-how, it helps to have David. Hopefully, it all comes together,” Spiegel said. 

There are around 40 kids turning out. Spiegel said that is about average. The team does have some talent coming back. 

“We have some seniors coming back and upper classmen, Alexis Tovar, Justin Dobernick, Joseph Blake, junior Jose Mendoza at goal, junior Brian Sanchez, who was MVP last year,” Spiegel said. “We have Raul Mata, Jose Valdez, Daniel Sandoval. We have a really good core. A lot of them are young. We have a lot of work with. We lost a lot of seniors, especially their leadership. We’ll see who steps up to be leaders on the team. We don’t have captains yet.”

Sandoval said they have a really young group. 

“We have a really talented young group. Between the freshman and sophomores, they are more than half the team. That is good for the future,” Sandoval said. 

The strength of the team lies in the fact these kids having been playing together for a long time. 

“Technique wise, they really have it. We also realized these kids have a lot of stamina and speed. These kids have been very active in other sports,” Sandoval said. 

Spiegel said they are excited about the skill level of the players. 

“A lot of these guys have been playing together for a long time. They have a really good connection with each other. They know where the other players will be,” Spiegel said. “We are very hopeful, like every season. It looks like a strong crew.”

In league, Spiegel believes they match up well. 

“The class of the league usually is Chelan. Last year, they were first and we were second. We lost to them twice. Those will be big games. Cashmere will be improved. Okanogan and Omak are improving,” Spiegel said. 

Sandoval believes it will between Cascade and Chelan for the league title. 

“We’re going to work hard because we have goals. One of our goals is to be the league champion. We have the talent for that. We’re going to work hard. The kids believe they can do it,” Sandoval said. 

Like all the spring sports, the lingering snow is having a big impact on the soccer team. 

“It is a big disadvantage for us, being in the gym all this time. Teams like Quincy and Ephrata are probably already practicing out there. That’s a big disadvantage for us. We’re going to work a lot on touches on the ball. Hopefully, by the time we get out there, we have that advantage over other teams,” Sandoval said. 

Spiegel feels they might be able to turn their disadvantage into an advantage. 

“We’re going to see how many touches we can get the kids. Their foot skills will be really good. We’re going to be the best indoor team around. We might be in the gym until April,” Spiegel said. 

Cascade opens the season March 11 at Ephrata. 

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