The Cook Inlet Academy soccer team won the Tri-Valley Kickoff Tournament in Healy on Saturday, finishing 4-0-1 at the event.
In Saturday’s championship, the Eagles dominated Tri-Valley 9-0. The Warriors were missing their starting goalkeeper and center back due to injury, and CIA took advantage. Noah Castenholz had four goals, while Abe Henderson had three, and Lacie Sorhus and Valerie Cazares each found the back of the net once.
In the Saturday morning semifinals, the Eagles notched a 4-1 victory over Our Lady of the Valley in Wasilla. Our Lady of the Valley had 10 players. Henderson scored on a corner kick, then Castenholz had three goals, one assisted by Austin Sorhus, to cement away the victory. CIA coach Kenny Leaf said OLV did a great job of preparing the Eagles for the title contest despite playing short-handed. Leaf also praised the efforts of Trayton Keller and Jeremy Dillingham in the game.
Thursday, CIA had opened up the tournament with an 8-0 win over Birchwood Christian. Castenholz had a hat trick, getting his 100th career goal for CIA. Graydon Musgrave also had a hat trick, while Jeremy Dillingham had two goals. Rebecca Dillingham played most of the game in net to get the shutout, with help from defenders Britt Hall, Hiram Henderson, Austin Sorhus and Golden Musgrave.
Later Thursday, the Eagles topped Susitna Valley 3-2 in a game shortened by darkness. Su-Valley led 2-0 in the first 10 minutes of the game, but Castenholz answered with three goals, two assisted by Abe Henderson. The game-winner came with less than 10 minutes to play.
Friday, CIA finished up group play by tying Lumen Christi at 2. Abraham Henderson nodded in a corner from Castenholz for the lead in the 27th minute, but just three minutes later the Archangels neutralized.
Lumen went up 2-1 early in the second half, then Abe Henderson scored with 15 minutes left to tie it. CIA still won the group. Coach Leaf was happy with his team after the match, particularly the tireless work of Rachel Johnson, Valerie Cazares, Lacie Sorhus and Rebeka Dillingham.
Castenholz was the men’s Most Valuable Player at the tournament, while Abe Henderson made the all-tournament team. Goalie Jeremy Dillingham won the golden gloves award at the tourney, while CIA’s whole squad was commended for sportsmanship.
CIA hosts undefeated Delta at 4:30 p.m. Friday.
