The Bearden boys soccer team won its sixth state title and first since 2019 in a penalty shootout against Ravenwood on Friday.
The match remained scoreless through regular time and extra time before junior goalkeeper Logan Nelson converted from the penalty spot to give the Bulldogs a 5-3 shootout win.
“I knew I was able to handle the pressure of taking the 5th PK, and as soon as I was up, I knew it was gonna hit the back of the net,” Nelson said.
Nelson played an important role throughout the championship game, making vital saves throughout both regulation and extra time, and was named player of the game. He also saved a Ravenwood penalty during the shootout to set up his match winner.
“I’ve simply never seen such a dominant game from that position,” assistant coach Peyton Berry said.
But Coach Berry also noted that many athletes showed their true skill in the state tournament.
“Dillon Sims played his best soccer in maroon and gray in his final games,” Coach Berry said. “I don’t think anyone wanted to end this the right way more than he did.
“The entire back half of our team deserves huge credit, from Preston Ford and Noah Price’s tireless up-and-down play in midfield, Cole Stopka playing through the pain barrier, and Shepard McMurray’s steadiness. Shawn Spencer and Nic Prins were unbeatable in wide areas.”
This is Bearden’s second soccer state championship this school year with the Lady Bulldogs winning their third consecutive title in the fall. It’s the first time in school history that both teams have won state in the same school year.
Although the Bulldogs’ season has not been perfect, Prins said all the pieces came together at the right time.
“After many bumps and doubters, we came together at the state tournament and left it all out there, and not just the starters,” Prins said. “The fans and the coaches all came together.”
The boys hope this starts a new chapter for Bearden boys soccer and are proud to be a part of the legacy they are leaving behind for future generations to come.
“Adding another star onto [our] jerseys and coming back as an alumni knowing I was a part of one of those stars,” Nelson said.
Added Prins: “I hope it sets an example for future players and current players. That’s the standard; it also takes everything you have to win it.”