Cape soccer alumni game brings back friends, memories

Cape soccer team alumni from four decades played in the annual alumni game at Legends Stadium. DAN COOK PHOTOS

Dan Cook

November 27, 2023

Cape Henlopen soccer alumni played their annual Thanksgiving week game Nov. 22 at Legends Stadium, where graduates from the ’90s, ’00s, ’10s and ’20s played for friendship and the love of the game.

Players were split up by graduation year, with odd years on one side and even years on the other.

The score wasn’t kept and it really didn’t matter, as the contest was about getting together and sharing stories of the glory days.

Coming back to relive their Vikings’ years were Lindsey Swontek (2019), Madi Swontek (2021), Dafne Andrede (2021), Tom Grogan (2007), Joe Esposito (2011), Kevin Perez (2020), Dru Schneider (2023), Jorge Legunes (2023), Chris Gonzalez (2020), Allen Marin (2020), Troy Humphries (2018), Leo Hanley (2020), Nick Albanese (2005), Chase Kornemann (2003), Merritt Burke (1992), Jeremy Boyd (1995), JD Miller (1992), John Wyatt (1991), Jeff Catts (1990), Aric Boyd (1994), Grant Todd (2007), John Zacharias (2004), Juan Carrillo (2021), Jair Mancilla (2021), Gerardo Haro (2018), William Albanese (2002), Chris Nuebling (2001), Scott Myers (2004), Lily Ashby (2022), Bryan Mack (2008), Mike Johnson (2008), Nestor Bermudez (2015), Zack Swarbrick (2015), Eric Velasquez (2018), Steve Forestieri (1996), Caesar Carrillo (2019), Bradly Senus (2019) and Jocsan Roman (2021).

“I’m always excited to host this annual event,” said Cape coach Patrick Kilby. “We have a rich tradition that spans decades. I love to hear the old stories from the guys and catch up with former players.”

“We had a strong showing for the alumni soccer game this year with players from multiple decades,” said 2008 grad Bryan Mack. “It was fun and competitive until the very end, plus you can’t beat retelling old war stories from our glory days. I look forward to playing again next year.”

Former Cape player Mike Johnson (2008) clears the ball after a save.

Jeremy Boyd (1995) controls play with Chase Kornemann (2003) in pursuit.

Jeff Catts (1990) makes a save.

Jair Mancilla (2021) controls the ball while Tom Grogan (2007) and Kevin Perez Ecalante (2020) play defense.

Jeff Catts (1990) makes one of his 12 saves in the game.

Former Cape coach John Myers, 1996 Boys’ Coach of the Year and 2000 Girls’ Coach of the Year, watches as his former players Chris Neubling (2001) and JD Miller (1992) battle it out for a 50/50 ball.