Cape soccer’s title search ends with loss to Sallies
“Winning and losing isn't everything; sometimes, the journey is just as important as the outcome.” – Alex Morgan, U.S. Women’s Soccer team great.
The No. 1-seeded Cape soccer team ended its quest for a state championship with a 4-2 loss to a strong Salesianum squad Nov. 18. The Vikings finish the season at 15-3.
Sallies has won 18 of the last 20 Delaware state soccer titles and 22 total trophies.
The Vikings showed intestinal fortitude, determination and a never-give-up attitude, as they came back after falling behind 1-0. Cape’s Brady Spiegel battled through a double team along the end line and would not be denied, powering a shot past Sals keeper Andrew Scott to tie the game at 1-1.
Sallies tallied three unanswered goals in the second half before Jerzy Haines took a Cardin Benjamin pass and put it in the back of the twine to close the gap to 4-2. Time ran out on the Vikings, though, ending their quest for the 2023 title, but not their journey for the first DIAA trophy.
“I’m proud of my guys,” said Cape coach Patrick Kilby. “This was a historic run for Cape soccer. My hope is that the seniors have lasting memories of what they accomplished, and that the players returning have a new set of expectations that we will revisit every year, that we are capable of winning the state championship, and then one day we will win the state championship.”
“It doesn’t feel good,” said senior Donovan Sandoval. “But at the end of the day, we gave it our best. The entire season, it really felt like it’s been Cape versus everybody else. Going into the Charter match, we were underdogs. A lot of people doubted us along the way. This whole group is special. I think everybody stepped up.”
Cape junior keeper Jake Hutchison made 12 saves in the contest.
“I’m so proud of our guys,” said Hutchison. “We fought with our backs against the wall all season. I’m so proud of how we persevered.”
“I’m grateful for the team we had this season,” said senior Luka Miller. “It’s a special group of guys, and if I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change anything.”
“I am so happy that I get to call the Cape Region my home,” said an emotional Kilby. “It’s where I teach, coach and where my kids go to school. The community support during our run was amazing. I’ve never experienced anything like that before. This was a special team. I think our school district and our community realized that early on, and I want to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their support over the course of the season.”
