BY JEREMY GOODE

(PHOTOS BY KATHY LEISTER FOR PSD)

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA--If you could legally bet on high school soccer and you put money on the Kiski Cougars boy’s soccer team to win the PAISAA State Championship, you would win your bet. However, you would not win much money. The odds are just not there. 

On Nov. 9 at Arcadia University, the Kiski School traveled across Pennsylvania to compete against the Episcopal Academy Churchmen for the PAISAA championship. Kiski won 2-0, making it their fourth state championship in a row and fifth over the last six years. 

Four in a row.

“Our game plan was simple,” Kiski head coach Jonty Loukes said. “Match their intensity, match their work ethic, match their work rate, and if we do that, then hopefully our talented play would be able to show.”

It was an interesting first 40 minutes of the game for both sides. Last year, Kiski played the Phelps School in the championship, combining for seven goals in the first half as the Cougars held onto a 4-3 lead heading into the final half.

This time around? Just the opposite. 

Both teams moved the ball well down the field and earned several opportunities. But the first 40 minutes would be won by both defenses, as it was scoreless heading into the final half. 

Up to then, the Cougars had been on a scoring roll during PAISAA. In their quarterfinals match against Shipley, they scored five goals and won 5-0. In their semi-finals matchup against Phelps, they won 7-0. This Kiski team can score. 

So, it would be expected that Kiski would change some things up at halftime to reenforce their offensive identity and actually get on the scoreboard. 

Or not.

When asked about adjustments, Loukes struck to the initial script on what has made the Cougars so successful this year with this lineup. 

“Nothing too crazy. We were trying to play a little bit too much in behind because we are a fast team, but so are they,” Loukes said. “I was a bit disappointed that we did not figure that out earlier; that we had to play to feet in the spaces between the midfield and the defensive line.”

Essentially, Loukes relayed to his team to not be as direct, swing the ball quicker from side to side, and move the ball quickly to expose their 3-5-2 scheme. 

Evidently, it would work. 

With just under 26 minutes remaining in the game, Santiago Giraldo Valencia, who had been a menace the entire match with his offense, speed, and always being around the ball to create opportunities, slipped a pass through to Filippo Gagliardi who finished in front of the net before a helpless Charles Esterhai, Episcopal’s goalkeeper. 

“We got through the defense pretty easy during the second half and we were confident we were going to score,” Valencia said.

It is hard to contain Kiski’s offense for a full 80 minutes of play. After escaping the first half scoreless, one suspected it was only a matter of time before the Cougars would find a way to convert. And after they start to convert, they do so often.

It is hard to contain Kiski’s offense for a full 80 minutes of play. After escaping the first half scoreless, one suspected it was only a matter of time before the Cougars would find a way to convert. And after they start to convert, they do so often.

It would take an additional 18 minutes for Kiski to make their mark and put the game out of reach. They did so with eight minutes and change remaining, as Kiski took a free kick 15 yards below midfield on goal, where Mateo Secaira would win the ball inside the 18 and put a shot on goal. The shot was deflected off Esterhai since he was out of the goal, and Fernando Vazquez Godoy jumped on the loose ball and put it through to the back of the net uncontested. 

It is hard to score on Kiski in general, so with Episcopal needing to score two goals with eight minutes remaining, the math was not in their favor. And Valencia knew that as well, emphasizing how crucial it was that Kiski scored late to put the game out of reach. 

“It was amazing,” Valencia said. “When we scored that second goal, I just knew we were going to win.”

Loukes said the difference in being able to execute in the second half as opposed to the first was playing “clinical.” Kiski moved the ball more quickly in the second half and found the gaps, while creating chances. 

During PAISAA this year, Kiski gave up zero goals, a credit to goalkeeper Matej Milutin and the Cougars’ backline. The Cougars outscored their opponents during the state playoffs 14-0, and the second number really confirms how well rounded the team is in every facet. 

When asked about the backline and goalie play, Secaira gave approving remarks.

“They played solid,” Secaira said. “I don’t think they made any mistakes. They did a very nice job. So, it’s been very nice having them.”

Kiski wins at a great rate. It’s just what they do and what they have been able to build with Loukes at the school for the last eight years. Besides the wins, the titles, and the overall success Kiski has had within the last decade, what might be Loukes’ greatest accomplishment is how he has built his team. 

His playoff roster of 30 players consists of 29 international players and one American. It is a diverse team. Nine players come from Spain, four from South Korea, three from Brazil and Italy, two from Jamaica, and one each from Serbia, the Netherlands, Guatemala, Australia, the Dominican Republic, Senegal, Portugal, and Costa Rica. And one player is from Windsor, CT. 

“Futbol is a universal language. We use the game to bring everyone together,” Loukes said. “It’s a special place, and it’s really enjoyable to coach and be a part of, and I’m proud of what we have achieved.”

Kiski wins a lot. They are proud of it. The culture and program they have built certainly makes it understandable how they win as many championships as they do. When asked if this grand success that they have found over the years was the standard, Loukes answered humbly. 

“It’s always the standard,” Loukes said. “It is the standard coming in, when I recruit, when I go looking for players… this is what is required. The great programs throughout history, college and professional, throughout the world, there is a standard of what it means to be that member of that team. And the boys make it very clear what it means to be a part of Kiski soccer.” 

Kiski is a fun team, and of course, winning is fun. Secaira and his teammates know this, as they spent a half hour after the match celebrating with the many flags from where they are from. 

“I’m just happy to celebrate with everybody,” Secaira said.

When asked what he will remember most about this team, Secaira smiled.

“The winning,” Secaira said. “The whole year was great, the people were great. It’s very nice to be recognized as the top. Last year, my first year, they already called us champions. And this year I can say I was a part of that too.”