Hoggard wins Class 8A boys soccer title 2-0 over West Forsyth
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WWAY) — For the first time in program history, Hoggard boys soccer has won a state championship following a 2-0 win Thursday in Greensboro against West Forsyth.
The Vikings’ ultimate goal was finally achieved. Something Head Coach Dwight Findlay and his players believed would be the case in 2025.
“Maybe about a year ago, right after the end of last season, they came into my office and they said, ‘coach, we’re going to do it next season,'” Findlay said. “I think from that day, they started leading the group. Getting them out for sessions, getting them out for extra workouts, working hard through the summer.”
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
Hoggard took a while to get on the board in their last couple games, but that was not the case when the lights shined the brightest.
Ari Tanner broke the ice just 5:25 into the contest off a Titan turnover. Then in the 2nd half, James McLean added the insurance goal off a rebound, assisted by Jace Tucker.
Tanner was also named the MVP of the game and was glad the team started off on the right foot.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
“The goal came from us being relentless down the field,” Tanner said. “Just pushing it into the box, that put the pressure on early. Once we got that, it really settles into the game. We’re on the biggest stage and getting that was able to calm us down and push the momentum through for us. Especially that early in the game.”
Despite the offensive output, the team consistently praises its defensive prowess. Hoggard ended the postseason with three consecutive shutouts.
Defenders Nash Gould and Adler Sauer feel that’s what resulted in their championship win.
“I thought that was probably the best collective game we’ve played all season,” Gould said. “Just never stop and we gave it to them.”
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
“I think our midfield was pretty on top of it,” Sauer said. “We stuck to our game plan and tried to work the ball around. That overall worked.”
The Vikings out shot West Forsyth 10-4. Hoggard limited the Titans’ offense as keeper Dallas Story did not receive credit for a save as the defense in front of him kept things clean.
