De La Salle Triumphs Over Marysville, Secures Ninth District Title

Warren De La Salle rallied from an early deficit to secure a decisive 4-1 victory over Marysville in the Division 2 district finals on October 16, 2025. This win marks the Pilots’ ninth consecutive district championship and adds to their impressive collection of 35 district trophies under the leadership of Coach Thaier Mukhtar, who has been at the helm for 38 seasons.

Marysville started strong, taking a 1-0 lead early in the first half. Senior forward Zane Lukasak capitalized on a defensive error, scoring after a counterattack to put the Vikings ahead with just over 31 minutes remaining in the half. Despite their early success, Marysville could not maintain momentum against an experienced De La Salle squad.

The Pilots responded with a display of resilience and skill. Junior forward Andrew Corder, who is a two-time All-State First Team player, was pivotal in the comeback. He tied the game with 21:46 left in the first half, netting a powerful shot from the edge of the box after receiving a pass from senior midfielder James Spicuzzi.

With momentum shifting, De La Salle took the lead just before halftime. Senior midfielder Vince Houlihan assisted Nikolai Zacharko, whose low shot from 22 yards out found the net for the eventual game-winner with only 2:47 left in the half.

As the second half unfolded, De La Salle continued to dominate, scoring two more goals to solidify their victory. Junior midfielder Settimo Leone scored early in the second half, converting a low cross from Corder. Corder then capped off his stellar performance with his 34th goal of the season, extending De La Salle’s lead to 4-1.

Marysville’s goalkeeper, Ethan Russell, recorded 11 saves during the match, including several crucial stops that kept his team in contention during the first half. Despite their strong defensive efforts, Marysville struggled to create additional scoring opportunities after their opening goal.

De La Salle showcased their attacking prowess throughout the match, outshooting Marysville 26-2, with 15 shots on goal compared to Marysville’s two. The Pilots successfully limited Marysville’s offensive play, allowing the Vikings to cross into the final third only a few times after their early score.

Following this victory, De La Salle, ranked fourth, is set to face third-ranked New Boston Huron on October 21 at 19:30 in the Division 2 regional semifinals at Dearborn Divine Child. New Boston Huron clinched both the Huron League title and district championship this season, boasting an impressive 18-1-2 record.

As the playoffs progress, De La Salle appears to be peaking at the right moment, having outscored their postseason opponents 21-1 and demonstrating a solid defensive strategy that has resulted in four shutouts in their last six games. The Pilots, with their experience and talent, remain a formidable contender in the ongoing tournament.