Still Perfect: University Liggett Rallies Past Everest Collegiate to Capture Sixth CHSL Soccer Title

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. — University Liggett continues to prove why it's one of Michigan's premier Division 4 boys soccer programs.

The Knights overcame an early deficit to defeat Clarkston Everest Collegiate 2–1 on October 8, capturing the Catholic High School League Cardinal Division championship and extending their unbeaten start to 15–0.

The victory marked Liggett's sixth CHSL boys soccer championship in nine years, further cementing the program's reputation as a perennial contender.

A championship comeback

Everest Collegiate entered the championship matchup looking to knock off the state's top-ranked Division 4 team.

The Mountaineers struck first when senior Xavier Brikho converted a corner kick delivered by freshman Ricardo Cespedes just 10 minutes into the contest.

Liggett didn't take long to respond.

Senior forward Brady Ancona found the equalizer five minutes later, putting the Knights back on level terms and setting up a dramatic second half.

Eleven minutes after halftime, senior midfielder Ollie Cooley delivered the decisive moment, scoring on a free kick to give Liggett a 2–1 advantage.

The Knights held on to secure another conference championship.

Building a championship tradition

Liggett's success extends far beyond one championship match.

Under head coach David Dwaihy, the Knights have developed a program built around consistency, defensive discipline and the ability to compete against quality opponents.

Entering the state tournament, Liggett had outscored its opposition 80–9 while recording seven shutouts.

But the comeback against Everest demonstrated something the Knights hadn't needed to show very often this season: the ability to respond when trailing.

Facing a physical and organized Everest squad, Liggett found a way to overcome adversity and finish the job.

Eyes on a bigger prize

With another CHSL championship secured, University Liggett now turns its attention toward the MHSAA Division 4 state tournament.

The Knights have already demonstrated they possess the talent and experience to compete with Michigan's best.

The question now is whether their conference championship momentum can carry them through the state playoffs.

For a program with six league titles in nine years, the expectations are understandably high.

And after another championship performance, University Liggett has given Metro Detroit soccer fans plenty of reasons to pay attention.

Detroit Varsity Sports will continue following University Liggett and other Metro Detroit programs throughout the MHSAA boys soccer postseason.