State championship heartbreak: Castleberry falls to Salado in 4A D1 title game
Castleberry, in its first state high school soccer state tournament appearance, was looking to become the UIL Class 4A Division 1 state champion.
In the 42 years since Texas’ University Interscholastic League recognized soccer as a varsity sport, there has never been a boys’ or girls’ champion from Fort Worth — the 2024-25 state championships wasn’t an exception, although Castleberry came close.
Castleberry (22-2-3) fell to Salado (24-3-3) in overtime, 3-2, on Thursday, April 10 at Birkelbach Field. After falling behind 2-1, the Salado Eagles surged from behind in the second half and capitalized in the game’s final moments.
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Castleberry head coach Paul Smith said his team left “everything they had” on the field. He said he wished his team could’ve brought the title back, but that it was great to represent River Oaks, Fort Worth and Sansom Park in Georgetown.
“At the end of the day, we’re thankful for the opportunity,” Smith said. “We worked hard for it.”
Before the state championship, the Lions hadn’t allowed a goal in 10 games and were on a 12-game win streak. They were looking to win Tarrant County’s first boys’ soccer state title since the 2011 season.
Just five minutes into the game, Castleberry secured the upper hand. Senior Christian Serrato shot a free kick from 20 yards out, curving it around the Salado defense and through the goalkeeper’s outstretched arms.
In the 13th minute, Salado responded with an assist from Davis Kasper and a header from Luke Munson into the back of the goal.
Both teams then went scoreless until the 39th minute, when Castleberry senior forward Jose Chairez, about five years from the goal, sent a blooper over the goalkeeper’s head. A Castleberry player was in the general vicinity, and it was unclear if Chairez’s intention was to pass or score, but the ball found the back of the goal and gave the Lions a 2-1 lead.
In the second half, Castleberry did not park the bus, electing to keep a fast pace and aggressive play. The Lions held the lead until the 67th minute when Salado struck back. Freshman Otto Sitz hurled a throw in toward the goal, and it ricocheted off a group of player right to Damonte Foster, who finished the goal.
“Giving up that late goal to give them a chance to tie it is unfortunate,” Smith said. “But I’m proud of our guys.”
Castleberry had six shots in the second half, a few of which were solid chances, but Salado goalkeeper Cole Cooley did his job well, making several solid saves to help force overtime.
Just three minutes into overtime, Salado captured its first lead of the game with a strike from Luke Anderson off an assist from Caine Cruddas.
“When a game goes to overtime, you can’t ask for a whole lot more out of those guys,” Smith said. “They are a lot deeper than we are. So, as soon as the game went to overtime, we knew it was an uphill battle.”
Although Castleberry fell short of its ultimate goal, the Lions had their best season in program history. As players shared hugs and cried on the field, Smith credited his team for a great performance and emphasized the work of a strong senior class, specifically Christopher Montoya and Chairez, two four-year varsity starters.
Smith said the season was challenging at times, with new faces and a need to build chemistry, but emphasized that he was proud and added the season was an enjoyable journey.
This story was originally published April 10, 2025 at 9:58 PM.
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