Cape soccer falls to Caesar Rodney 5-1

The Cape versus Caesar Rodney soccer game Oct. 16 was a showdown for the Northern Division title, and it was a nip-and-tuck game for the first 33 minutes. Then Cape was called for a penalty in the scoring box, allowing the Riders to get on the scoreboard when Jacob Stant converted the ensuing penalty kick. 

After a quick second-half goal by the Riders, Cape’s Juan Larez-Carrillo put the Vikings on the board with a goal at the 59-minute mark. Three more goals were added by CR in the second half, and the Riders went on to a 5-1 victory over the visiting Vikings.

“CR has a quick-strike offense and our attack is more methodical,” said Cape head coach Patrick Kilby. “They flat-out beat us. They were able to take advantage of our inability to contain the man with the ball. This, in turn, allowed them to run downhill at us.”

The Riders outshot Cape 16-12. Caesar Rodney goalkeeper Dillon Rahe made seven saves, while Cape keepers Alan Marin-Quiroz and Forest Dotterer teamed for eight stops in the contest.

“I do not believe that they are four goals better than us,” said Kilby. “I hope we get a second chance in the state tournament to match up with them. Our guys are disappointed that they lost such a high-stakes match for a second year in a row. My hope is that we learn from this. I hope that we fine-tune our preparation for future games and that our focus is sharpened.”

Cape was set to travel to Milford on Thursday, Oct. 18, to take on the Bucs.