RALEIGH – Franklin Academy dominated the possession and game for the majority of the first half, but a 33rd minute counter-attack strike lifted Bishop McGuinness to a 1-0 lead and eventually their first Men’s Soccer State Championship.
Franklin Academy had the Villains hemmed into their own end for most of the first 25 minutes, with Bishop McGuinness absorbing most of the pressure of the first half. Franklin Academy had a few chances, but not any that they could manage to put a shot on frame with any pace.
Ultimately it was a turnover and a transition moment that saw Cameron Bovender on the ball in the midfield. Bovender took a single dribble and threaded a ball to Brad Standen who poked it with his right foot around a defender and past the keeper for a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute. Standen was named the game’s M.V.P.
Bishop gained confidence with the 1-0 lead and looked more comfortable on the ball in the second half. Franklin Academy had a few desperate attempts and as the Patriots pushed more men forward, Nathan Joseph got on the ball deep in the Patriot end, 1-on-1 versus a final defender. Joseph won the footrace to the ball and into the box, tracking the ball down just before it ran out on the endline. He chipped a ball across the front of the net and after an initial save by the Patriots goal keeper, Alan Linares pounded it home for a 2-0 lead in the 78th minute.
Franklin Academy finished the season 23-1-1, they were 12-0 in the North Central 1A where they were the league champions. The Patriots won the Eastern Regional for the second time in school history.
Bishop McGuinness completed the year 19-2-3, 5-1 in the Northwest 1A. The Villains won their second all-time and second consecutive Western Regional Championship. They captured the school’s first Men’s Soccer State Championship.
BMHS FAHS
13 Shots 11
6 SOG 5
5 Saves 4
5 Fouls 11
2 Corners 4
2 YC 1
0 RC 0
30’ – BM – Nathan Joseph shown a yellow card.
33’ – BM – Brad Standen goal, assisted by Cameron Bovender. (1-0 BM)
65’ – FA – Carter Diehl shown a yellow card.
71’ – BM – Nathan Joseph shown a yellow card.
77’ – BM – Alan Linares goal, assisted by Nathan Joesph. (2-0 BM)