De La Salle Overcomes Early Deficit to Claim 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. The win marks the Pilots’ ninth consecutive district championship and extends Coach Thaier Mukhtar‘s remarkable legacy, bringing his total to 35 district titles over a coaching career that spans nearly four decades.

Marysville started strong, surprising many by taking an early lead. Senior forward Zane Lukasak capitalized on a defensive miscommunication, scoring just under nine minutes into the match. His goal gave the Vikings a 1-0 advantage, prompting De La Salle to shift into high gear.

Despite the initial setback, the defending champions responded with intensity. Junior forward Andrew Corder equalized with a powerful shot from the top of the box with just under 22 minutes remaining in the first half. This pivotal moment shifted the momentum firmly in De La Salle’s favor.

With less than three minutes left in the first half, De La Salle took the lead. Senior midfielder Vince Houlihan set up senior midfielder Nikolai Zacharko, whose low shot from 22 yards found the back of the net, marking it as the eventual game-winner.

The Pilots continued to dominate in the second half, scoring two more goals. Corder assisted junior midfielder Settimo Leone for a close-range goal early in the half. Corder then capped off the scoring with his 34th goal of the season, solidifying De La Salle’s commanding performance.

Marysville goalkeeper Ethan Russell showcased remarkable skill throughout the match, recording 11 saves, including several critical stops that kept his team in contention during the first half. The Vikings’ defensive strategy initially paid off, but they struggled to maintain their offensive presence after conceding the equalizer.

De La Salle’s statistics reflected their dominance; they achieved a staggering 26-2 shot advantage and held an impressive 15-2 lead in shots on goal. The Pilots’ defense effectively neutralized Marysville’s chances after the early goal, limiting their opponents’ opportunities to cross into the final third of the field.

Coach Scott Parker of Marysville 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 commended his team’s initial execution but noted their inability to generate further scoring chances after the early goal.

The victory propels De La Salle into the regional semifinals, where they will face third-ranked New Boston Huron on October 21, 2025. Huron, boasting an impressive 18-1-2 record this season, represents a significant challenge, having secured both the Huron League title and district championship.

As De La Salle prepares for this upcoming match, their recent form is noteworthy; they have outscored their postseason opponents 21-1 and remain unbeaten in their last six games. The Pilots’ relentless pursuit of excellence continues as they aim for further success in the state tournament.