‘One game away from history’ Hoggard Girls Soccer prepares for State Championship

WILMINGTON (NC) — The Hoggard Vikings are heading to the State Championship for the first time in 16 years.

The Vikings have a well-balanced team, with NC State commit Brielle Archer leading the way offensively.

On the defensive end, it’s been a group effort, with an unexpected hero stepping up when it mattered.

“I’d laugh in your face. I wouldn’t believe it at all. I never would have thought I’d be playing soccer again,” is what Anna Kate “AK” Chance said when I asked her if she’d believe she was playing in the state championship three months ago.

After injuries sidelined two varsity goalkeepers, Coach Justin Schatz took a shot in the dark … with the basketball star.

“You know, early on, she had said something about playing soccer,” said Schatz. “She was like, yeah, I played in middle school.”

Chance, known as a basketball player, and is committed to Randolph-Macon College for basketball, hadn’t touched a soccer ball in nearly five years. But, as defender Aubrie Rogers says, a few practices made all the difference.

“I just knew we were going to be okay. She’s just such an amazing person and athlete just overall. I knew we were going to be fine once she stepped in.”

Hoggard will take on the champions of the West Region for the 8-A class: Myers Park.

Myers Park is led by Amaya Falzarano, the Indiana commit has notched 25 goals so far this season.

Back to the Vikings, it’s been a remarkable season for the team up until this point, with numerous accomplishments including 20 straight wins, 10 straight shutouts, and only two goals allowed throughout conference play.

Rogers said one more win would reward the team for years of hard work and dedication.

“The team has put so much work in every year. In my last three years of playing, we’ve gotten to the East Final and fallen short.”

The game will be played Thursday, May 28, at 7:00 p.m. at Durham County Memorial Stadium.