Wahluke soccer cruises past La Salle

MATTAWA — The Wahluke High School boys soccer team cruised past La Salle High School to win 5-0 this past Thursday.

Head Coach Cele Lopez said because the first matchup against La Salle, on March 26, was such a huge win (10-0) he decided to give his bench players more playing time and try out some new formations.

Lopez also added it was to recover from some recent injuries and tough losses. He said his team’s biggest challenge this season has been injuries.

“We're trying to change different habits. We're trying to get involved with the community trying to support, helping, cleaning. And so we're trying to set up a new culture for the kids. We implemented this no ‘F’ for the grades,” said Lopez.

Lopez said school policy is if a player has two ‘F's’ they can’t play but the coaches implemented one ‘F’ would make the student ineligible to play.

“We are trying to focus on the kids so they can focus on academics first. Men's soccer, it's a secondary thing. So it's just a privilege that we have, you know, we're trying to keep up with the grades first,” said Lopez.

When asked what he thought his team’s biggest strength was, Lopez said it’s teamwork.

“I think that we play as a team. We don't have the big guy to say ‘Okay, he's gonna save everything for us.’ So it's like, we look solid, and in all aspects, all lanes.”

The Wahluke soccer program has a dozen seniors this season, three of whom are captains for the varsity team.

Lopez said the team’s motto this year is “somos uno” which means “we are one”.

“So that's what we try to pass on to every single person that comes over here. Parents, coaches, all the sports. We're trying to get everyone involved. Because that's what we say, if we look like one, that's what we are trying to pass on just not just for the team, but probably for the whole community.” Lopez said. The team was ranked No. 7 on the April 19 WIAA 1A soccer Rating Percentage Index list.

The Warriors are 10-2-2 overall and have a conference record of 8-2. Their two conference losses were to Connell, 1-0 and 2-1.

The Warriors have two more regular matches left this season. The first against Kiona Benton City High School at home on April 26 and then at College Place High School on April 28.

Right now though, Lopez said he just appreciates the support he and the team get.

“(Wahluke) is a small community. It's super supportive, which is really good for us. We know everybody and they're always here cheering for us,” Lopez said.

Rebecca Pettingill can be reached via email at rpettingill@columbiabasinherald.com.