De La Salle Triumphs Over Marysville to Secure Ninth District Title

The Warren De La Salle Pilots rallied from an early deficit to secure a decisive 4-1 victory against the Marysville Vikings in the Division 2 district finals held on October 16, 2025. This victory marks the Pilots’ ninth consecutive district championship, further solidifying their reputation as a dominant force in Michigan high school soccer.

Marysville opened the match with an unexpected early lead. Senior forward Zane Lukasak capitalized on a defensive miscue, scoring in the first half to put the Vikings ahead 1-0. Despite this early setback, De La Salle quickly regained control, demonstrating their resilience and tactical prowess.

The Pilots responded with a flurry of offensive play, scoring four unanswered goals. Junior forward Andrew Corder, who has been a standout performer this season, played a pivotal role in the comeback. He tied the match with 21:46 remaining in the first half, firing a powerful shot from near the top of the box after receiving a pass from senior midfielder James Spicuzzi.

De La Salle took the lead just before halftime when senior midfielder Vince Houlihan set up fellow senior Nikolai Zacharko for a low shot that found the back of the net with 2:47 left in the half. This goal not only shifted the momentum but also set the tone for the second half.

In the second half, the Pilots continued to dominate. Junior midfielder Settimo Leone scored early on, tapping in a cross from Corder. Corder then capped off the scoring by netting his 34th goal of the season with 11:47 remaining, further extending De La Salle’s lead.

De La Salle’s defense, led by goalkeeper Dominic Baldarett, effectively shut down Marysville’s scoring opportunities after the initial goal. Baldarett recorded one save before handing over goalkeeping duties to Giovanni Vitale for the final minutes of the match. The Pilots outshot Marysville 26-2, including 15-2 in shots on goal, showcasing their offensive dominance throughout the game.

Marysville’s coach, Scott Parker, acknowledged the challenge posed by De La Salle, stating, “De La Salle is loaded. Their whole roster is loaded and they are the defending state champs for a reason.” He praised his team’s initial strategy and highlighted the performance of goalkeeper Ethan Russell, who made 11 saves during the match.

Looking ahead, De La Salle, now with a record of 17-4-2, prepares to face the third-ranked New Boston Huron in the regional semifinals on October 21, 2025. New Boston Huron, with an impressive record of 18-1-2, presents a formidable challenge as they also seek to advance further in the tournament.

As the postseason unfolds, De La Salle continues to demonstrate their prowess on the field, having outscored their opponents 21-1 in the playoffs thus far. Their combination of skill, strategy, and experience makes them a team to watch as they aim for further success in the state championship race.