Western Albemarle boys soccer falls to Lafayette – The Daily Progress

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In a match where open opportunities were difficult to find, a highly-skilled play would be required to score in the VHSL Class 3 state final between Western Albemarle and Lafayette.
The Rams made that play with 8:18 remaining in the first half. Off a quality cross from the right side, Jackson Troy sank a header from the left to put Lafayette ahead, 1-0.
“[It was] incredible execution from them,” Warriors head coach Michael Nafziger said. “It was right on the range of what we could defend, and perfectly executed.”
Western Albemarle’s Rafael Ibanez kicks the ball against Lafayette during the VHSL Class 3 state championship boys soccer game on June 8, 2024.
It ended up being the lone goal of the game, and helped guide the Rams to the state title. Western Albemarle’s season concluded with a 21-1 record.
The Warriors inched closer to tying it in the final 15 minutes with increased offensive pressure.
Parker Polk fired a clean shot that was caught by Lafayette goalkeeper Clarke Canova. Six minutes later, Western Albemarle forced a diving save from Canova.
“I think throughout the game, we had tons of chances, but we didn’t quite carry them forward all the way to the baseline,” Nafziger said. “That was the message at halftime — we started doing that — we started getting to the baseline, cutting it back, turning their defenders facing their own end, but ultimately, never connected on one.”
Western Albemarle’s Daniel Sanchez sits on the ground after the Warriors’ loss to Lafayette in the VHSL Class 3 state championship boys soccer game on June 8, 2024.
The effort displayed toward the end of the game was representative of what the Warriors had been doing all season.
“We’ve gone down 1-0 six times this season,” Nafziger said. “Every time before today, we’ve clawed back. Oftentimes, we’ve bounced back right away. I think we did the same thing in this game, just didn’t quite get it on the scoreboard, but we were able to shift the tide. I’m so proud of these guys for the way they performed. And I’ll remember that. I’ll remember that fighting spirit, and that resiliency.”
Although Western Albemarle’s historic run had an unfortunate end, the competitive spirit and comradery the Warriors showcased will always be treasured.
“I’m so proud of these boys. I’ve watched them turn into men over the course of this season,” Nafziger said. “The way they fought, the way they picked each other up — I mean, it’s inspiring. It’s inspiring for everyone who’s watching, it’s inspiring for me. What a privilege to be a part of this team. I mean, I think it’s the team of the decade. Soccer’s a fickle sport. A couple bounces didn’t go our way, but I wouldn’t change a thing about these players. I’m so proud of them as young men.”
Chris Gionta
cgionta@dailyprogress.com
@Chris_Gionta on X
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Western Albemarle’s Daniel Sanchez sits on the ground after the Warriors’ loss to Lafayette in the VHSL Class 3 state championship boys soccer game on June 8, 2024.
Western Albemarle’s Rafael Ibanez kicks the ball against Lafayette during the VHSL Class 3 state championship boys soccer game on June 8, 2024.
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