Win streak snapped, but 58th unbeaten: BHS ties ranked NY team
KNOXVILLE — All good things must come to an end. And on Saturday morning, Bearden High School girls soccer team saw its 53-match winning streak halted as it played another nationally ranked powerhouse.
The Lady Bulldogs, ranked No. 1 by United Soccer Coaches, and No. 16 Albertus Magnus, a team from suburban New York City, played to a 1-1 draw before a spirited house at Bearden’s Turner-Allender Field Sept. 23.
The game marked the last time that Bearden (10-0-1) hadn’t won since Aug. 30, 2021, when it tied Knoxville Catholic 0-0. That game was called after halftime due to inclement weather.
The Bulldogs still haven’t lost in 58 games, but Saturday’s match felt like a loss according to the team’s boss.
“I’m a little frustrated with it,” Bearden head coach Ryan Radcliffe said. “I don’t think we were ourselves today. I think the atmosphere, the unknown of it, the team flying all this way, I thought it kind of affected us mentally and I didn’t think we were ourselves. All 11 players across the field, I don’t think we had enough of our play that we’ve had all season.”
Bearden, which hasn’t lost since falling to Franklin in the 2020 Class AAA State Tournament semifinals, had enough to take an early lead against the Lady Falcons (4-0-2). Jayla Blue got a shot past Albertus Magnus goalkeeper Aubrey Haesche and into the back of the Lady Falcons’ net in the ninth minute, assisted by Alivia Stott.
Bearden held the advantage until late in the opening half, when Gabby Chan tallied in the 31st minute. Chan, a senior, came into the 2023 campaign as a two-time All-America standout during her sophomore and junior seasons, but has had limited playing time in 2023 because of off-season knee surgery.
