Hoggard Girls Soccer falls to Myers Park in 8A State Championship

DURHAM, N.C. (WWAY) — The Hoggard Vikings were defeated in the 8A Girls Soccer State Championship, Thursday, May 28, after a penalty shootout, 1-1 (5-4).

Hoggard came into this game 21-1-1 (12-0), while Myers Park entered 18-2-3 (9-1).

The Vikings maintained a stout defense throughout the season, recording ten straight shutouts in conference play. Aubrie Rogers and Andy Dabbs were among year-long starters, and Rogers was one of the captains of this years squad.

Offensively, the team had a trio of talented attackers, led by NC State commit, striker Brielle Archer. On the wing, Airlie Altman and Graysen Fisher played with aggression all season, each recording clutch goals and solidifying the teams attack.

Onto the game itself, this was a grueling game for both sides, playing 110 minutes before eventually reaching a penalty shootout.

Both goals scored in regulation were scored early in this one. For Hoggard, it was sophomore Graysen Fisher, and for the Mustangs, it was freshman Isabelle Tremagilo.

In the second overtime period, Myers Park striker, and Indiana commit, Amaya Falzarano would fire a shot from the top of the penalty box, hitting the crossbar, with the ball bouncing down right before the goal line. Just moments later, for the Vikings, Brielle Archer barely missed with a short shot attempt, directly off a rebound from a saved shot. Either of these shots would have won the game outright if they went in.

The game would go to a penalty shootout, and after the first five players went, it was tied 3-3. Eventually, Mustang defender Eliza Huffstetler would record the game winning penalty, resulting in a Myers Park win.

This game was played at Durham County Memorial Stadium.