Bearden HS Soccer

Bearden Soccer 2025 Video

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AAA STATE QUARTER-FINAL(elimination)

Richard Siegel Complex #2, Murfreesboro

Hardin Valley 3 Bearden 2

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 7pm CT

MURFREESBORO–Three second half goals by Hardin Valley dashed Bearden’s hopes of a second consecutive State Championship, as the Bulldogs fell 3-2 Wednesday in a first-round matchup of the two AAA powers. 

Bearden controlled possession in the first half, outshooting the Hawks 9-1 and eventually scored on a heads-up Laurent Igiraneza corner kick for a perfect Preston Ford header just 5 seconds before intermission. 

The Bulldogs carried that momentum into the second period, scoring on a nice backfield pass from Timothy Styles to Lucas Ford, who streaked across the arc to score from twenty yards, giving the Dawgs a 2-nil lead with twenty-five minutes to play.

The Hawks didn’t quit, however, scoring three minutes later on a loose ball in front of the goal, and again just two minutes after that, and suddenly it was ‘game-on’ with twenty minutes to go between the West Knoxville rivals. 

The teams traded possessions for the next eight minutes before a borderline foul inside the eighteen resulted in a penalty kick for Hardin Valley, and the ensuing goal gave the Hawks a 3-2 lead with 12:48 remaining. Bearden valiantly mounted several dangerous attacks in the final minutes, but unfortunately could not find the net.

And so, Bearden’s season ends two games short of what has become an annual expectation of a championship. That certainly is an enviable mindset to have, as most programs can only hope for an occasional flirtation with a trip to State. 

These outstanding seniors have amassed an amazing 4-year record of 77-9-9 (.861), with a State Championship, a Runner-up, and two Elite Eight appearances, clearly continuing Bearden’s legacy as the premier high school soccer program in the state of Tennessee. 

Following the game, they were already telling the underclassmen to plan on a return visit to Murfreesboro next year to win it all. In what has become this Bearden Soccer ‘Circle of Life,’ the baton has now been passed, and it is a safe bet that the Bulldogs will be right back in the mix one year from now! Personally, your humble scribe cannot wait–Go Dawgs! Win State! Woof!

Goals: PRESTON FORD (40’ Laurent Igiraneza); LUCAS FORD (55’ Timothy Styles); HVA- Josh Colemac (58’);  HVA- Dane Hammer (60’); HVA- Ben Brophy, penalty kick (68’).

Shots/Shots-on-goal: BHS 18/8 HV 8/5 . Corners: BHS 4 HV 2. Fouls: BHS 14 HV 11 . Offsides: BHS 0 HV 0 . Cards: .BHS Bench (71’) Conditions:  artificial turf soccer pitch, windy, clear, 60 degrees. Records: BHS 18-3-1 HV 17-3-3.

AAA SECTIONAL (elimination)

Bearden 8 at Jefferson Co. 0

Saturday, May 17, 2025

JEFFERSON CITY–Reigning AAA State Champion Bearden totally dominated Jefferson County 8-0 Saturday on the road to earn a return trip to Murfreesboro this week to defend their crown.

Senior defender Cole Stopka started things off fifteen minutes in with a towering header off a perfect corner kick by Laurent Igiraneza.  Seven minutes later, Lucas Ford drew a foul in the box, and GK Logan Nelson was again called upon to convert the penalty kick for a 2-0 halftime lead as the Bulldogs were just getting warmed up.

Early in the second period, Bearden exploded for three goals in three minutes. Aidan Ainsworth scored twice, giving him a team-leading 14 dingers, then assisted Igiraneza’s powerful attack right up the gut for Iggy’s 8th goal of the year to put the Dawgs up 5-0 and invoke the continuous clock rule with 31 minutes still to play. During the fireworks, Ford, playing one of his best games despite not scoring a goal, recorded his 18th assist of the year. Steady midfielder Ahmed Dkhiri, in the midst of an impressive string of playoff games, had an attack and assist on Ainsworth’s first goal. 

Jashua Garcia had a nice game as he attacked the Patriot goal at will and scored his 5th of the season. Freshman Carson Stripling recorded his first Varsity goal, and hard-charging classmate Adam Charara bagged his second along with an assist as he logged some quality minutes.

This makes seven consecutive trips to State for Head Coach Ryan Radcliffe and Assistant Peyton Berry. It is Radcliffe’s eighth tourney in ten seasons, racking up three Championships. It’s also worth mentioning Coach Rad went to State three times himself as an All-State midfielder for the Bulldogs, winning one title, a runner-up, and a final four. 

Next up, Hardin Valley at State on Tuesday night–‘nuff said! Go Dawgs! Win State! Woof!

“Pity the soul who never enters the arena with greatness on the line!”  –anon.

Goals: COLE STOPKA (15’ assist-Laurent Igiraneza); LOGAN NELSON (22’ Lucas Ford); AIDAN AINSWORTH (47’ Ahmed Dkhiri); AIDAN AINSWORTH (48’ Lucas Ford); LAURENT IGIRANEZA (49’ Aidan Ainsworth); ADAM CHARARA (63’ Aidan Zalk); JASHUA GARCIA (69’ Adam Charara); CARSON STRIPLING (75’ Jacob Nye).

Shots/Shots-on-goal: BHS 34/15 JC 4/2. Corners: BHS 10 JC 2. Fouls: BHS 7 JC 4. Offsides: BHS 1 JC 1. Cards: BHS#2 (47’), BHS#7 (47’), BHS#29 (68’), JC#11 (80’). Conditions: artificial turf football field, fast, clear, breezy, 65 degree.

Outside the box………it was Assistant Coach Peyton Berry’s birthday Saturday, and the boys serenaded him with a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ on the field after the game………Hardin Valley narrowly defeated Sevier Co. 2-1 to earn their trip to State………former Bulldogs Jack Raulston and Shawn Spencer made the trip to cheer on the Dawgs, and Ethan Ford was assisting his Dad Brian the video production………Woof!

REGION 2 AAA FINAL (non-elimination)

Hardin Valley Academy 2 at Bearden 1

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 7pm

Hardin Valley scored a late goal with 2:21 remaining to win the District 2 AAA Championship 2-1 at Bearden Wednesday. Both teams advance to Saturday’s Sectional round, but the Bulldogs will have to travel to the loser of tomorrow’s Jefferson Co. at Sevier Co. Region 1 final, a scenario similar to last season when they had to play at Dobyns-Bennett.

Hardin Valley came into Radcliffe-Kelly Complex with a chip on their shoulder, still stinging from last week’s 5-1 drubbing by the Dawgs. The Hawks held Bearden to only two first half shots, but the teams still went to intermission tied at 0-0. 

The Bulldogs answered the second half bell aggressively matching the Hardin Valley attack until the visitors scored on an open shot from the right flank inside the eighteen. Bearden then controlled the action as the Hawks laid back defensively. 

Suddenly, Aidan Zalk was taken down inside the eighteen, and a penalty kick was awarded with 5:50 remaining. The Bat Signal went out to, who else, GK Logan Nelson, who adroitly blasted the back of the net to level the score at 1-1 as overtime seemed imminent.

After another Bearden. offensive possession and shot, Hardin Valley mounted an attack that drew a foul from 35 yards out, and they crossed the ball to the far post where All-State forward Ben Brophy scored his second goal for the game winner. 

The Bulldogs now await the loser of Thursday’s game between the Patriots and Smokey Bears to redeem themselves for a ticket back to State. Fear not–this is same road they traveled last year when they won all the marbles. Go Dawgs! Win State! Woof!

Goals: HVA- Ben Brophy (54’);  LOGAN NELSON (75’ penalty kick, Aidan Zalk); HVA- Ben Brophy (78’ Nathan Holbrook, direct kick).

Shots/Shots-on-goal: BHS 12/4 HV 13/7. Corners: BHS 8 HV 4. Fouls: BHS 6 HV 12. Offsides: BHS 3 HV 0. Cards: HV#18 (67’). Conditions: damp, partly cloudy, 70 degrees. Attendance: 529. 

Outside the box………this is the first time this season Bearden has given up more than one goal in a game………the local referees association foots the bill for a fourth, substitution official for important playoff games–there was also a contingent of referees and supervisors on hand for the big game………former All-State Bulldog and ETSU player Lucas Nordin dropped by the Press Box Wednesday………Woof!

REGION 2 AAA SEMI-FINAL(elimination)

at Bearden 4 Halls 1

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 7:30pm 

Bearden methodically turned back Halls 4-1 on a rain-soaked Tuesday evening to advance to today’s Region 2 Championship game, and book their slot in Saturday’s Sweet 16 Sectional round with a ticket to the State Championships in Murfreesboro on the line. 

Preston Ford scored on a header off a precise corner kick from lefty defender Koen Bagdon to give Bearden an early lead five minutes into the game. Aidan Ainsworth bagged his twelfth goal of the season by finishing a nice pass from Lucas Ford. Sophomore Aidan Zalk scored his fifth of the year off an Isaac Martinez cross, before Laurent Igiraneza finished things off with his seventh goal early in the second half, allowing Coach Ryan Radcliffe to rest his starters and showcase his team’s impressive depth.

Jashua Garcia continuously forced the action up top, Ahmed Dkhiri was impeccable, as usual, at defensive mid, Ethan Yeow continued his solid play at outside defender, and Carson-Newman commit Cole Stopka made his return from injury at middle back. GK Jackson Wolverton had a beautiful, leaping save late in the game. 

Bearden will now play Hardin Valley Wednesday for the third time, having defeated them 2-1 on the road during the regular season, and 5-1 last Friday. The winner gets to host Saturday’s Sectional game versus the Region 1 runner-up, the loser has to travel to that region’s winner. The old adage says it’s tough to beat a team three times, but this Bulldog team has been able to do what it needs to get the win. Just win baby! Go Dawgs! Win State! Woof!

Goals: PRESTON FORD (5’ assist-Koen Bagdon); AIDAN AINSWORTH (23’ Lucas Ford); AIDAN ZALK (31’ Isaac Martinez); LAURENT IGIRANEZA (50’ Lucas Ford); Halls–Kevin Pendergrass (73’ penalty kick).

Shots/Shots-on-goal: BHS 31/13 HHS 6/6. Corners: BHS 8 HHS 1. Offsides: BHS 2 HHS. Fouls: BHS 7 HHS 10. Conditions: wet, intermittent showers and sunshine, 60 degrees. Attendance: 368.

Outside the box………Thursday’s BHS graduation dictated playing the Region Final on Wednesday………kickoff was delayed about a half-hour due to lightning………Hardin Valley won at Oak Ridge 3-0………a beautiful rainbow arched over the pitch midway through the game………Woof!

DISTRICT 4 AAA FINAL (non-elimination)

at Bearden 5 Hardin Valley Academy 1

Friday, May 9, 2025 7pm

Aidan Ainsworth scored two goals as the Bulldogs overwhelmed visiting Hardin Valley Friday by scoring three times in the opening nine minutes en route to a convincing 5-1 victory and claim their eighth consecutive district playoff championship under Coach Ryan Radcliffe. 

The Bulldogs struck just 54 seconds into the game when Lucas Ford fired a penetrating cross from the left side that deflected off a Hawk defender into the goal.

 Three minutes later, Ainsworth buried a nice Ford-to-Ford (Preston-to-Lucas) combo assist, and five minutes after that converted an Addison Johnson play off an Isaac Martinez corner kick with a crisp header to the net, stunning the HVA faithful. The junior forward has now scored six goals in the last seven games–Ford has scored six in the last eight games.

Hardin Valley tried to regroup and scored three minutes later on a sharp liner from twenty yards, but Jashua Garcia squashed any thoughts of a rally by scoring his season’s 4th goal seventeen minutes later, and the Bulldogs took a comfortable 4-1 lead to intermission.

Sophomore Martinez complimented his solid midfield play by bagging a goal of his own early in the second period to complete the scoring. Ahmed Dkhiri continued to bolster things defensively, and had a nice settle and outlet pass from deep to reverse the field. Freshman Caleb Wild logged some quality minutes and had an aggressive, attack-stopping slide tackle in the first half.

Action now moves to next Tuesday, when Bearden will host Halls in a Region 2 semi-final elimination game–the 11-5-2 Red Devils lost Friday to Oak Ridge 3-1. They have a 2-0 win over 2024 AA State Champ South-Doyle, a 1-1 tie versus Sevier County, and a late season 1-0 loss to Farragut. One thing is certain, there are no easy games in the playoffs. Embrace your superstitions, stay focused, and Go Dawgs! Win State! Woof!

Goals: LUCAS FORD (1’ assist-Preston Ford); AIDAN AINSWORTH (4’ Lucas Ford, Preston Ford); AIDAN AINSWORTH (9’ Addison Johnson); Hardin Valley- Asher Stimson (12’); JASHUA GARCIA (29’ unassisted); ISAAC MARTINEZ (46’ Preston Ford).

Shots/Shots-on-goal: BHS 13/7 HV 15/5. Corners: BHS 5 HV 5. Offsides: BHS 0 HV 2. Fouls: BHS 10 HV 7. Cards: HV #5 (29’), BHS #24 (38’), #22 (56’), #15 (56’), #23 (68’).Conditions: fast, clear, 62 degrees. Attendance: 592. Records: BHS 16-1-1 HV 13-3-3.

Outside the box………it was definitely a big game atmosphere Friday night with an overflow crowd on hand–a big thanks to the best Press Box in the state with Guest Announcer Wesley Stone(filling in for Doc Harris), Clock Operator Jerry ‘G-1’ Gianeselli, Sound Engineer Troy Bowlin, and Security Chief Jeff Riemer (who was on assignment)………Mama Rainey’s famous chili dogs at concessions were again a big hit………the new stripped netting on the goals looks awesome, along with the pitch being in perfect condition (thanks to Robert LeBus)………Woof!

DISTRICT 4-AAA SEMI-FINAL (elimination)

at Bearden 2 Maryville 1

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 7pm

Lucas Ford launched a left-footed laser from thirty-five yards for the winning goal with 16:11 on the clock, as Bearden eliminated Maryville 2-1 Wednesday in a tense, District 4-AAA semi-final playoff game at Radcliffe-Kelly pitch.

Sophomore midfielder Fadel Hamdan got the Bulldogs off to a fast start when he scored in the game’s fourth minute. The bunkered-down Rebel defense managed to keep the Bulldog attack bottled up after that, and the Dawgs had to settle for slim 1-0 lead at the half. 

Four minutes into the second period, Maryville scored from in close on a misdirected slow bouncer off the far post to level the score, and it was game on with 36:19 remaining. The Bulldogs didn’t panic, however, as they manufactured eight shots and two corner kicks from that point until Ford’s game winner twenty minutes later.

The stellar Bearden defense sealed the game from there. Preston Ford was nothing less than outstanding at defensive mid. Fellow midfielders Isaac Martinez and Hamdan both started as they helped keep the Rebel attack at bay.

Ethan Yeow got the start at outside defender, and erased several Rebel encroachments with his powerful defensive headers. Versatile Ahmed Dkhiri moved from his usual midfield position to ably fill the need at middle back. Addison Johnson had a timely clear late in the game, and GK Logan Nelson earned his ‘keep’ with attack-negating punches, snags, and smothers.

Bearden now advances to Friday’s non-elimination district final at home versus Hardin Valley, a 2-1 winner over Farragut. The game will determine home field and opponent in next week’s Region 2-AAA semifinal elimination game. 

Goals: FADEL HAMDAN (4’ Lucas Ford, Aidan Ainsworth); Maryville-Josh Maldanado-Costas (44’); LUCAS FORD (64’ unassisted). 

Shots/Shots-on-goal: BHS 22/8 MHS 8/4. Corners: BHS 9 MHS 3. Offsides: BHS 2 MHS 1. Fouls: BHS 10 MHS 7. Cards: BHS#3 (54’). Conditions: damp, midday showers, 68 degrees. Records: BHS 15-1-1 MHS 11-7-2. 

Outside the box………Reece Van Haaften was covering the game for WATE TV6—film at 11………a dozen or more Lady Bulldogs were on hand to support the boys………in Wednesday’s District 3-AAA play, Halls eliminated Central 3-1 in overtime, and will travel Friday to Oak Ridge, a 3-1 winner over Karns………Woof!

Bearden 3 at Science Hill 1

Thursday, May 1, 2025 7pm

JOHNSON CITY–Junior forward Laurent ‘Iggy’ Igiraneza had a goal and an assist to lead Bearden to a 3-1 road win at Science Hill Thursday.

Goalkeeper Logan Nelson scored his first Varsity goal in regulation when he converted a penalty kick just four minutes into the game after Preston Ford cleverly drew a foul in the box.  

Midway through the half, Lucas Ford found brother Preston from the backfield, who then laced a beautiful diagonal pass to the elbow of the eighteen to Iriraneza, who took the ball in stride and beat the keeper at the near post from twenty yards.

Seven minutes later, ‘Iggy’ lofted a perfect cross in close to Aidan Ainsworth, who finished with a crisp header to the back of the net for a 3-0 Bulldog lead at the half.

Science Hill scored early in the second period on a powerful direct kick from twenty-five yards, but the Bulldog defense shut down the Hilltopper attacks when they threatened in close.

Locking down the outside lanes were Koen Bagdon, who had a nice slide and steal late in the first half, and Noah Price, solid on both ends of the pitch including a penetrating late attack into the box. Jashua Garcia provided strong relief up top at forward. 

Bearden closes out their regular season at an impressive 14-1-1, scoring 54 goals while surrendering a measly 8 with 8 shutouts. They will have a bye for the first round of the District 4-AAA playoffs next week before a crucial semi-final elimination game at home. The ‘real season’ starts now!–buckle up and enjoy! Go Dawgs! Win State! Woof!

Goals: LOGAN NELSON (4’ penalty kick, Preston Ford); LAURENT IGIRANEZA (18’ Preston Ford, Lucas Ford); AIDAN AINSWORTH (25’ Laurent Igiraneza). Science Hill (49’ direct kick).

Shots/Shots-on-goal: BHS 10/6 SH 5/3. Corners: BHS 7 SH 4. Fouls: BHS 16 SH 7. Cards: BHS#27 (49’ Red), SH#3 (55’), SH#7 (65’). Conditions: artificial turf football field, overcast skies, 64 degrees. Attendance: 225. Records: BHS 14-1-1 SH 8-5-3. 

Outside the box………Andy Mowery scored two goals and Aidan Zalk, Carson Stripling, and Jack Kravitz also scored as Bearden JV defeated visiting Farragut JV 5-1 Wednesday to sweep their home-and-home series……..Seth Campbell scored as the JV and Science Hill tied 1-1 Thursday in the preliminary………always great to see longtime Science Hill Head Coach David Strickland, one of the ‘good guys’ of high school soccer in the state………Woof!

Bearden 1 (4) at Farragut 1 (3) (Bearden wins in PK’s)

Saturday, April 26, 2025 6pm

FARRAGUT–Well, they can call it a tie if they want, but the Bearden bench erupted in  celebration as Farragut walked dejectedly off the pitch after GK Logan Nelson repeated his 2024 State Championship MVP performance with a shootout goal, plus a game-winning block following Ahmed Dkhiri’s clutch, go-ahead goal as visiting Bearden outlasted Farragut 1-1 (4-3) in overtime to retain bragging rights in the intense neighborhood rivalry.

Also scoring crucial shootout goals were freshmen Timothy Styles and Adam Charara, as the two rookie forwards were rock-solid in the game’s fast and furious finish.

Midfielder Preston Ford got the Dawgs off to a quick start just four minutes into the game when he chased down Aidan Ainsworth’s crossing pass along the eighteen and executed a sliding shot to the near post for a 1-0 Bulldog lead. Bearden maintained momentum but could not extend their advantage going into the break.

Farragut leveled the score at 1-1 six minutes into the second period on a penalty kick awarded for a handball in the box. As the Admirals controlled possession during the final twenty minutes of regulation, the quick-closing Bulldog defense battled to neutralize dangerous Farragut midfielder Franklin Von Hagan.

Bearden regrouped, finishing the second ten-minute golden goal period strong with several piercing crosses and a shot off the crossbar, but the game was destined for the dramatic shootout. Farragut’s keeper blocked two Bulldog shots, and two Admiral shooters went high over the bar before Dkhiri’s and Nelson’s game winning heroics in round six. 

District 4-AAA rules dictate that the game goes down officially as a tie, with the overtime result being used strictly for seeding in the upcoming playoffs, but the smiles on the Bulldog players and faithful showed otherwise. 

Goals: PRESTON FORD (4’ assist-Aidan Ainsworth); Farragut-Franklin Von Hagan (46’ penalty kick).

Shootout goals: ADAM CHARARA, TIMOTHY STYLES, LOGAN NELSON, AHMED DKHIRI.

Shots/Shots-on-goal: BHS 16/8 FHS 10/7. Corners: BHS 4 FHS 5. Fouls: BHS 18 FHS 18. Offsides: BHS 4 FHS 0. Cards: FHS (90’, 94’, 100’). Conditions: grass pitch, beautiful evening, 70 degrees. Attendance: 427. Records: BHS 13-1-1*.

Outside the box………interestingly, Farragut switched goalkeepers for the shootout after their starter had played the previous 100 minutes……… Bearden had already clinched the #1 seed for the upcoming District 4-AAA Tourney, but one would never know it by the intense level of play……… the Radcliffe-Kelly soccer pitch played host to a Middle School rivalry game Thursday, as West Valley defeated Farragut 1-0 on Bryson Asper’s buzzer beater goal with exactly one second on the clock as the Wolf bench erupted in celebration. GK Roman Price (Noah’s brother) got the shutout for the Wolves as he went the distance in goal………Woof!

at Bearden 4 William Blount 0

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 6pm

Senior midfielder Preston Ford had two goals to lead Bearden in a 4-0 victory over visiting William Blount Tuesday on Senior Night as the Bulldogs flaunted their extremely deep roster.

Ford scored just before the half on a nice Jashua Garcia to Aidan Ainsworth combo assist, then alertly connected five minutes into the second period following an attack and cross into the box by Captain Noah Price. 

Brother Lucas Ford once again gave the bulldogs an early lead, blasting the net just two minutes into the game off senior defender Koen Bagdon’s first assist of the year. The hard-charging senior striker has scored the team’s opening goal in six of the last seven wins, connecting in minutes 9’, 24’ 1’, 15’, 19’, and 2’

Fellow senior U.J. Lind assisted Aidan Zalk on the sophomore’s 4th goal of the year to complete the scoring late in the second half.

Senior Ivy Leaguer to be Jackson Wolverton got the start in goal, turning in a stellar performance with two great saves, including a fully extended block on a late direct kick laser shot.

Senior Colin Brown had a nice reversal on the backline, while Estuardo Morales and Nelson Tobar Aguilar made some noise in their first starts of the season. 

Fellow seniors Addison Johnson, Bryce Pereyo, Captain Logan Nelson and the almost ready for prime-time Cole Stopka yielded much of their P.T. so that all fourteen classmates and others could show their stuff.

Flashy freshman Adam Charara was spot on with a couple of late corner kicks, and just missed on a shot that rocked the crossbar.

Goals: LUCAS FORD (2’ assist-Koen Bagdon); PRESTON FORD (29’ Aidan Ainsworth, Jashua Garcia); PRESTON FORD (45’ Noah Price); AIDAN ZALK (72’ U.J. Lind). 

Shots/Shots-on-goal: BHS 25/10 WB 7/4. Corners: BHS 6 WB 1. Fouls: BHS 5 WB 7. Offsides: BHS 4 WB 0. Cards: BHS#29 (36’), WB#GK (36’). Conditions: fast, clear, 70 degrees. Attendance: 318. Records: BHS 13-1-0

Outside the box………a big Woof! to guest announcer Wesley Stone for filling in for Doc Harris on the mic………a beautiful Omar Ardahji to Aidan Ainsworth goal was ruled offsides just before intermission, and a Lucas Ford second half strike was waved off on a razor-thin offsides call………Woof!