New Hanover, Hoggard soccer rivalry ends in overtime draw

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — One of New Hanover County’s fiercest rivalries ended without a winner Thursday night as New Hanover and Hoggard battled to a 1-1 draw in overtime. Hoggard entered the matchup undefeated, while New Hanover was looking to bounce back from a conference loss to Laney.

After a defensive battle early, the Wildcats broke through in the second half. Off a corner kick, Tre Bennett found Miles Bickel, who sent the ball into the net to give New Hanover a 1-0 lead.

Hoggard answered when Ayoub Abdelhamid drew a penalty while on the attack. James McLean converted the ensuing penalty kick to even the game at 1-1. Both goalkeepers helped keep it that way.

Hoggard goalkeeper Hudson Nichols made a key save to deny New Hanover a go-ahead goal. At the other end, New Hanover goalkeeper Kai Kaehny-Reichert came up with a save of his own to keep the Vikings from taking the lead.

The defensive battle continued into overtime, with neither team able to find the deciding goal. The rivals finished tied at 1-1.