Heartbreaker for NWHS boys soccer

For the second consecutive year, Northwest Vikings lose by a goal in semifi nals; coach ejected early in game after protesting opponents taunting his players during a required break

by MEREDITH BARKLEY

NORTHWEST GUILFORD – Northwest Guilford’s boys soccer season ended with a close Final Four loss to Myers Park last week following a game in which the Vikings’ coach was ejected and a grievance filed against one of the officials.

“I feel for the players,” said Coach Jason Allred, who had to sit out most of the game. “All I wanted was for them to have an opportunity to compete in a fair match.”

Allred’s second-seeded Vikings (12-3) lost 1-0 to top-seeded Myers Park (12-1-1), which then lost 3-0 in the state title game to eighth-seeded Cardinal Gibbons (14-2-1).

According to Allred, during a required face mask breathing break halfway through the first half a Myers Park player

Courtesy photo Northwest Guilford’s boys soccer team celebrates after winning their last game of the regular season March 9 and clinching their fi fth consecutive conference championship. The Vikings went on to win their fi rst three state playoff games before falling to Myers Park March 23 in the semifi nals.

came to their bench to taunt his players. Allred tried to get game officials’ attention and to protest, but his efforts cost him two yellow flags. In soccer math, that equals a red flag, which means ejection.

Northwest, he said, filed a grievance with the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), sending along supporting video. A favorable ruling, though, won’t change the outcome, he said.

“It was one of those nights where all the cards were stacked against us,” said Allred, whose team lost by a goal in the semifinals for the second year in a row.

A NCHSAA spokesman confirmed last Thursday the organization had been in contact with Northwest about the matter, which he said had been resolved. He gave no further details.

In a text message, though, Allred wrote that Northwest and NCHSAA officials had a conference call on Friday during which folks with the state organization listened to their grievances but gave no indication whether penalties would be levied.

“I don’t think it will proceed any further,” Allred wrote.

The Vikings advanced to the semifinals again this season despite having graduated nine starters last year. Looking ahead, the team will lose three senior starters but return several key players including six sophomore starters.

“I think we’ll be once again very competitive,” Allred said.

“A champion is simply someone who did not give up when they

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