Andrew Corder scores twice as the Pilots defeat previously unbeaten St. Joseph 3–2 to capture their eighth state championship.
GRAND LEDGE, Mich. — Three years. Three championships. One historic dynasty.
The Warren De La Salle Pilots have officially cemented their place in Michigan high school soccer history.
De La Salle defeated previously unbeaten St. Joseph 3–2 Saturday afternoon at Grand Ledge High School to capture the 2026 MHSAA Division 2 boys soccer state championship.
The victory marks the Pilots’ third consecutive state title and eighth overall, making De La Salle the first program in Michigan’s two largest boys soccer classifications to accomplish a three-peat.
For head coach Thaier Mukhtar and his program, Saturday’s victory represented more than another trophy. It was the completion of a championship run that had never been achieved at this level.
Andrew Corder Delivers a Championship Performance
When De La Salle needed someone to take control, senior Andrew Corder answered.
With the championship tied 1–1 early in the second half, Corder scored on a rebound following a shot from Settimo Leone, giving the Pilots a 2–1 advantage with 35 minutes remaining.
Just two minutes and 10 seconds later, Corder struck again.
This time, the senior capitalized on a rebound from a shot by sophomore Marco DiLuca, extending De La Salle’s lead to 3–1.
The two-goal performance was a fitting conclusion to Corder’s high school career. He finishes as De La Salle’s all-time leader in goals and points.
And he delivered when the stakes were highest.
St. Joseph Pushes the Pilots to the Limit
De La Salle entered Saturday’s championship knowing it would face one of the toughest defensive teams in Michigan.
St. Joseph arrived with a perfect 23–0 record and had surrendered just four goals throughout the entire season.
The Bears had also recorded 12 consecutive shutouts entering the championship.
But De La Salle wasted little time challenging that defense.
Leone opened the scoring with 28:35 remaining in the first half, converting a loose ball in front of the St. Joseph goal.
The Bears responded when senior Remy Kelm scored with 6:30 remaining before halftime, sending the teams into the break tied 1–1.
Corder’s two second-half goals appeared to put the Pilots in control, but St. Joseph refused to surrender.
With 8:12 remaining, senior Caden Shannon scored following a corner kick, cutting the deficit to 3–2.
The Bears continued pushing for an equalizer, but De La Salle held on through the final minutes.
When the final whistle sounded, the Pilots had accomplished something no other opponent had done against St. Joseph this season: score three goals.
Three Consecutive Championships, One Lasting Legacy
De La Salle finishes the 2026 season with a 21–3–4 record and another state championship.
The Pilots have now captured Division 2 titles in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Winning one championship requires talent, preparation and execution. Winning three consecutive championships requires something more.
It demands consistency, leadership and the ability to maintain a championship standard despite changing rosters and increasing expectations.
Mukhtar’s program has demonstrated all three.
While previous Michigan programs have won three consecutive boys soccer championships, De La Salle is the first to accomplish the feat in the state’s two largest classifications.
That distinction makes Saturday’s achievement especially significant.
DVS Analysis: De La Salle Has Established a Dynasty
There is no longer any debate about whether Warren De La Salle belongs among Michigan’s elite boys soccer programs.
The Pilots have moved beyond simply competing for championships. They have established a standard that other programs will spend years trying to match.
Saturday’s victory may be the most impressive of the three.
De La Salle faced an undefeated opponent with one of the state’s strongest defenses, surrendered an early lead and still found a way to win.
Corder delivered two crucial goals. The Pilots responded under pressure. And when St. Joseph threatened to force overtime, De La Salle finished the job.
The result was another championship celebration and a historic accomplishment for a program that continues to raise expectations.
Three consecutive championships. Eight state titles. One dynasty.
Warren De La Salle has written another unforgettable chapter in Michigan high school soccer history.
