Cascade Boys Soccer post season strengths

 Teammates celebrate and congratulate Dante Aurilio (12) after his goal during a penalty kick at their final district game against Highland. Aurilio’s goal set the tone and energy for the team early in the first half of the game. Photo credit: Rylie Songer (9) 

Cascade Boys Soccer team had a strong season, making it past the playoffs and into the state tournament. Their post season wins against teams such as Warden (5-0), Connell (1-0), and Highland (3-0) gave the team the opportunity to go to State. 

The team’s connection is strong and has led them through the post season. “The way everyone has been playing lately and the chemistry that we are building is huge for us,” said Head Coach Jesus Sandoval.  

 Strong plays from freshman to seniors have enabled the team to score game winning goals. “Their biggest strengths? I would say the defense is really solid, Arlo, and Dante and Abe, just working back there, really holding up the team together, allowing the midfield to have a lot more of an opportunity,” said Leslie Mata(12), the team's manager. 

Despite setbacks the team faced, Cascade was able to continue to play at their high level. “Throughout this season, we had a lot of injuries and absent players,” said Jesus Sandoval. Although the team’s injuries caused key players to miss games, other players stepped up on the field to support their absent teammates. “I am glad that even though we have new people, we are able to play at a high intensity and high level,” said Captain Damian Sandoval (12). 

Two seniors have officially committed to playing after high school and have been signed to play for colleges in Washington state. 

After the team’s 3rd place appearance at state last year, the boys – particularly the seniors - had strong determination and were eager to finish this year strong. Two seniors have officially committed to playing after high school and have been signed to play for colleges in Washington state. “I hope to play two years at Peninsula [College in Port Angeles] and just develop a lot as a player,” said Shane Slette (12). “Hopefully [I will] transfer to a four-year and continue playing; then finish my degree.”

  Damian Sandoval is also planning to continue his soccer career after high school as he plays for and attends Wenatchee Valley College. “I’m ready to play with my buddies that are also attending the college, and I am really looking forward to it,” said Sandoval. 

Cascade Boys soccer has had much post season success over the years including sending

students to colleges and receiving many awards.  

Cascade has now won the Caribou Trail League Player of the Year Award back-to-back for the first time in Cascade Boys soccer history.

Cascade has now won the Caribou Trail League Player of the Year Award back-to-back for the first time in Cascade Boys soccer history. “Cascade has been able to build a tough enough program, so we are always sending kids to college,” said Jesus Sandoval. “Having MVP this year again, Cole Slette, and last year Angel.”   

Cascade also earned five players on Caribou Trail League First Team All-League and three players on Second Team All-League. 

Next year, Cascade Boys soccer will continue to keep a strong program and hopes to continue sending athletes to play at higher levels. “That’s our goal: continuing the same level of players to play at the next level,” said Jesus Sandoval.