The Bearden boys soccer team has an impressive goalkeeper lineup heading into the 2025 season.
Starter and senior captain Logan Nelson was the hero in last year’s state championship game, saving three penalties in the shootout after extra time and even converting the penalty that clinched the Bulldogs’ first state title since 2019.
But Bearden also touts senior Jackson Wolverton, who has played with 865 Alliance (the top tier of FC Alliance), and junior Eli Keener, who trains with the professionals of One Knoxville SC’s first team.
Nelson applauds his fellow keepers, believing their talent is unmatched across the state – one factor that has allowed the athletes to play at an exceptional degree.
“My keepers are straight dogs,” he said. “I say it every day that Eli and Jackson could both start at any school in the state.”
The senior also appreciates the group’s camaraderie as it promotes the players to reach their full potential.
“Competition between us creates better practices and overall better performances out of all of us,” he said.
The Bulldogs host Powell on Thursday at 7 p.m. to open the 2025 season.
Needless to say, the depth in goalkeepers allows for the players to feed off of each other’s competitive drive; however, it offers a unique challenge from a coaching standpoint. With that much depth at the position, assistant coach Peyton Berry recognizes the hardships this imposes, along with the edge it gives the team.
Coach Berry compares the lineup challenges to those commonly faced at the quarterback position.
“You can only play one at a time,” Coach Berry said. “That makes it hard to get them all the time their talent deserves.”
Coach Berry looks past the restrictions regarding playing time by admiring the benefit the keepers have on the collective team. He believes that with the certainty of a reliable shot stopper in goal, the other athletes can play more freely.
“For our players, it’s a huge boost and makes them bolder in everything they do knowing they can trust whoever is behind them,” he said.
This trust and talent, however, was not the only factor which fostered Nelson’s position as a leader on the team.
“His combination of charisma, confidence, and soccer IQ immediately makes him a strong voice on the team,” Coach Berry said. “He affects the game without even touching the ball.”
Nelson’s experience on Two Knox – the One Knox academy team just below the professional first team – has helped refine his ability to communicate with his Bearden team. He believes his opportunity to collaborate with international and out-of-state teammates on Two Knox will better his role with Bearden.
Senior captain Noah Price appreciates Nelson’s voice on the field.
“It’s nice having a leading voice from the goalie because it’s like having an extra coach on the field,” Price said.
Bearden soccer alum Chris Meystrik set a precedent for what it means to be a Bearden goalkeeper. He instilled a tradition of leadership and collaboration.
“It’s a position where irrational confidence is needed between the lines, but respect and humility are key,” Coach Berry said. “[Meystrik] really fostered a brotherhood and support system that elevates those guys to another level.”
Coach Berry believes that Nelson has embodied this legacy, establishing his legitimacy on and off the field.
“Logan’s on-field role was undeniable, and his personality meant it was natural he would be captain someday,” he said.
Regardless of leadership position, Coach Berry believes that the senior class plays a major role in the team’s direction.
“Everyone looks up to the senior class,” he said. “That’s a pressure you probably don’t realize until you’re in it.”