Boys’ soccer: Washington International, Capital City claim PVAC, PCSAA titles

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/highschools/boys-soccer-washington-international-capital-city-claim-pvac-pcsaa-titles/2015/11/03/31a5ec5a-8278-11e5-9afb-0c971f713d0c_story.html

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On a bus packed with victorious smiles and a pair of championship banners, Washington International captain Matteo Schlitz and his teammates could not help but feel unsatisfied. The Red Devils had just defeated Sandy Spring Friends School, 3-0, to complete a sweep of the Potomac Valley Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championships, but two titles are not enough.

“We were laughing after the game because we don’t feel like we’ve achieved anything yet,” Schlitz said. “Winning the double in the league was the expectation going into the season, now we have all week to prepare for the state title.”

Monday afternoon at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, senior midfielder Jack Payne curled a goal into the back of the net directly off a corner kick as Washington International (17-1-1) led 2-0 within 10 minutes of kickoff. Junior forward Nico Ubide’s second goal of the game and 20th of the season secured the win for the Red Devils, whose only loss of the season was against Sandy Spring on Oct. 13.

This fall, Washington International scheduled a rigorous out-of-conference slate in order to prepare for its shot at the District of Columbia State Athletic Association playoffs. The eight-team tournament kicks off next week. Defending champion Gonzaga knocked Washington International out in last year’s semifinals.

“We love the opportunity to prove that we are the best team in D.C.,” Schlitz said, “and there’s no better opportunity than the state championship.”

Capital City Charter School also qualified for the DCSAA playoffs by defeating Washington Latin 3-1 in the Public Charter School Athletic Association championship Monday at Trinity University. Anthony Eleazar broke away to open the scoring five minutes into the game, and senior Jacques Dassie’s penalty kick gave Capital City (10-3-3) a 2-0 halftime late. Eleazar was involved late in the second half as an own goal clinched the Eagles’ fourth PCSAA title in the past five seasons.

“We have some good players, nobody is going to blow us out, and we can make a game of it,” Coach David Byrd said. “We’re happy to win, but it’s not a real crowning achievement. We want to represent the charter schools well at the D.C. playoffs.”