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Cape soccer hosts play day

Cape Henlopen soccer players walk into Legends Stadium prior to their scrimmage against Baltimore’s Mount St. Joseph High School Aug. 26. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTOS
Aaron R. Mushrush
August 31, 2023

A total of 20 soccer teams representing schools from Wilmington to Berlin, Md., and west to Baltimore battled it out Aug. 26 on the pitches at Cape Henlopen High School.

Defending Division I state champion Salesianum and Maryland A Conference champion Calvert Hall headlined the group of teams that included host Cape Henlopen. One of Cape’s main rivals in the Henlopen North, Sussex Central, participated in the play day after reaching the state semifinals last year. A young group of Royals from Delmarva Christian made the trip too.

Games were played on the Bermuda grass fields and the turf pitches of Champions Stadium and Legends Stadium. Delmarva Christian kicked things off against Newark Charter in what became a rather physical affair. Royals goalkeeper Quinn Downs was able to make a few tough saves, but the Patriots offense generated some easy looks and fired off a few well-placed shots to take the victory. The play of Royals freshman Jay Parrish against more advanced competition was a bright spot for Delmarva Christian. Joining Parrish in attacking the net were juniors Mauricio Chavez and Isaiah Walton. Chavez is a relentless worker, while Walton’s size and soccer IQ could play an important part in the Royals’ season. 

The Vikings took on Mount St. Joseph High School of Baltimore on the scorching-hot turf of Legends Stadium. Working with possession for most of the first half, the Vikings generated a few chances on goal, but were unable to convert. Making good use of the sidelines, the Vikings offense was able to penetrate deep before centering the ball. 

Senior Angel Arano Rebolledo flashed impressive footwork, and was supported by an active midfield and constant communication. Senior Jack Schell was the target up top for much of the first half, using his height on 50/50 balls and his size to maneuver in the box. It was hard not to notice the work of junior Cardin Benjamin who looked as cool as ever, operating at high speed with a pair of shades and quality ball control despite moving so fast. Collin Sivels also flashed his speed.

Cape ended the day against Sanford, a squad that fell a couple of games short of the DIAA tournament. The scrimmages were the last the Vikings will play before Labor Day. On Tuesday, Sept. 5, the team will head north to scrimmage Caravel Academy, the 2022 Division II state champions, for the final tune-up before the regular season begins Thursday, Sept. 14, at Smyrna. 

 

Cape senior Angel Arano Rebolledo weaves his way through the Mount St. Joseph defense with the ball seemingly magnetized to his foot.
Cape senior Jack Schell heads a throw-in over to a teammate.
Cape junior Evan Burris uses his body to shield the ball from a Mount St. Joseph defender.
Cape junior Jake Hutchison boots the ball away on a goal kick.
Cape junior Brandon Loucks’ red locks shine golden in the August sun as he plays keep-away with a Mount St. Joseph defender while moving into space.
Cape junior Brady Spiegel plays tough defense on the Mount St. Joseph ball handler and gets a precise toe tap in for a successful tackle.
Cape junior Cardin Benjamin flies down the field.
Cape senior Kyle Skafidas clears the ball down the right side of the pitch.
Cape senior Josh Millman makes his way to the midfield.
Cape junior Collin Sivels collides with the Mount St. Joseph goalkeeper while chasing down a loose ball.
Royals junior Mauricio Chavez works to get in position for a shot, but Newark Charter’s Jackson Laznik is an aggressive senior who has learned when to challenge and when to hold his line.
Royals freshman Jay Parrish, center, enjoys wreaking havoc in his opponent's final third. He was challenged by Newark Charter’s Mohamed Adam Abdel-Moneim Shamloul, left, and Jackson Laznik, and this ball resulted in a goal kick as it flew out of reach.
Royals freshman Jay Parrish, right, dribbles around the incoming slide tackle of Newark Charter’s Nicholas Bartocci.
Royals sophomore James Baxter sends the ball into the Royals offensive third.
Royals goalkeeper Quinn Downs makes a brilliant save and sends the ball over the goal post during a scrimmage against Newark Charter.
Royals freshman Jay Parrish shows excellent coordination to put the ball in the back of the net during the second half of a scrimmage against Newark Charter.
Royals junior Isaiah Walton nearly makes it to the face of the goal, but is legally tackled just inside the 18-yard box.

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