MHSAA STATE FINALS:De La Salle Extends Reign, Hands Unity Christian Its First and Only Loss
- Jonathan Turner
- 14h
- 3 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
The Warren De La Salle Pilots have officially reclaimed their place among Michigan’s elite. Once the state’s dominant boys soccer power, De La Salle captured its second straight Division 2 state championship Saturday night with a 2-0 victory over previously unbeaten Hudsonville Unity Christian, continuing a storied resurgence under longtime head coach Thaier Mukhtar.
The win marked De La Salle’s seventh state title, all with Mukhtar at the helm, and its first set of back-to-back crowns since 1992 and 1993. After years of near misses and rebuilding, the Pilots have once again established themselves as one of the premier programs in the state.
Mukhtar credited the team’s discipline and focus throughout the postseason run, noting how this group’s ability to execute under pressure was key to its success. Every player, he said, understood their role and carried it out to perfection.
Early Goals Set the Tone
De La Salle (21-4-2) wasted little time seizing control. With just under 30 minutes left in the first half, senior James Spicuzzi broke the deadlock after a throw-in from Max Wyszczelski deflected off a Unity defender and landed at his feet. Spicuzzi had been anticipating the play and calmly finished the opportunity to give the Pilots a 1-0 lead.
Minutes before halftime, the Pilots doubled their advantage. Wyszczelski was fouled inside the box, setting up a penalty that senior Nikolai Zacharko confidently converted to make it 2-0.
That early cushion proved critical, forcing Unity Christian—who entered the match unbeaten at 19-0-4—to chase the game from behind for the first time all season.
Baldarotta’s Save Shifts the Momentum
The turning point came midway through the second half when De La Salle was called for a foul in the box, giving Unity Christian a penalty kick and a chance to pull within one. But junior goalkeeper Dominic Baldarotta read the shot perfectly, diving to make the stop and then smothering the rebound to preserve the shutout.
Baldarotta later said he recognized the shooter’s intentions as soon as the ball was placed, trusting his instincts to go the opposite direction. The save proved to be a defining moment, energizing his teammates and halting Unity’s surge.
From that point forward, De La Salle’s defense locked in. The backline, anchored by physical play and sharp organization, limited Unity’s scoring chances and controlled the final minutes with poise.
Mukhtar emphasized how his team stayed composed under pressure, adjusting quickly as Unity pushed numbers forward in desperation. The Pilots managed the game with maturity, absorbing the attack and dictating the tempo until the final whistle.
Unity Christian’s Strong Season Ends Just Short
Unity Christian, which captured the Division 3 championship two years ago, fell one win short of a perfect season but still finished as one of the state’s most balanced and relentless teams. Head coach Ian Billin praised his players for battling back after falling behind early, noting that their high-pressure, fast-paced style kept them in contention even when trailing by two.
Despite generating several dangerous chances—including a late flurry of corners, free kicks, and that second-half penalty—Unity couldn’t find the back of the net. Billin expressed pride in how his squad responded in the second half, calling the group’s effort a reflection of their work ethic and togetherness all season long.
Final Score
De La Salle 2, Unity Christian 0
De La Salle captures its seventh state championship and second straight Division 2 title, reestablishing itself as one of Michigan’s premier soccer programs.
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