Bearden soccer returns to Class 3A title game

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WATE) — Bearden soccer is back in the state title game for the fourth time in the last five seasons after shutting out Hendersonville 1-0.

The Bulldogs only played 3:57 before the game was delayed due to severe weather. The delay lasted nearly four hours, but Bearden returned to the pitch ready.

Dillon Sims scored the first goal of the game just 12 minutes into the contest, and that’s all the Bulldogs would need.

Logan Nelson helped Bearden secure its 12th shutout of the season and second shutout at the state tournament.

“He’s led us all season,” said Bearden head coach Ryan Radcliffe. “He’s a presence back there. We’re lucky to have him. I think we have some of the best goalies around. Logan is definitely leading that pack. With a four-hour lightning delay, Logan is usually the one that’s getting us back going. He’s charismatic. He’s a great kid off the field. He knows how to turn it on and lead us on the field, as well. He was huge. We knew Hendersonville was a good team that was going to test us. Part of our pregame talk was we’re gonna have to rely on Logan cause we know that he’s going to be big for us, and he’s going to make saves for us when we need him to.”

Bearden will face Ravenwood in the Class 3A state title game on Friday at 1:30 p.m.

The team is planning to travel back to Bearden on Thursday morning to watch its 10 seniors graduate before returning for the state title contest.

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