FHS soccer sees ‘stinging’ end in district semis
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Farragut’s Eli Saunders (14) heads a ball against West on Thursday, May 7, during the District 4-AAA semifinals at West High School’s Bill Wilson Field. The Admirals lost, 3-2, bringing an end to their 2026 season. - Photo by Carlos Reveiz/crfoto.com
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Farragut’s Eric Bukovitz (16) fights for possession against West’s Musa Kromah during the teams’ District 4-AAA semifinal match on Thursday, May 7, at West High School. - Photo by Carlos Reveiz/crfoto.com
Bradley Culbreth walked alone near the 25-yard-line, still shocked as he looked toward the scoreboard of West High School’s Bill Wilson Field.
He was not pleased with the result that glowed in the distance: West 3, Farragut 2.
The Rebels sunk the Admirals in the District 4-AAA semifinals last Thursday, May 7, mounting a 3-0 lead that proved too much for Farragut to overcome.
In the process, an Admiral team that held hopes of its first state tournament appearance since 2021 saw its season end three weeks too early.
Never one to mince words, Culbreth offered an opinion that matched his soured expression.
“They hit us in the mouth,” he said. “We had zero answer for their intensity in the first half. This is one of those horror stories for a team that, if you don’t bring the same intensity the whole game, you get beat at this stage in the postseason. They’re a good team, and they beat us tonight.”
Logan Wright did provide a spark for Farragut, heading two goals in less than a minute in the second half.
“Effort. Athleticism,” Culbreth said of Wright. “He was an absolute spark for us. He’s young, he’s a sophomore. But the hole was too deep with how we played tonight.”
FHS gave up its first goal five minutes in on a corner kick, and the trouble continued from there. By halftime, the Rebels led 2-0.
Farragut proved unable to cash in on a penalty kick by Nathan Henderson four minutes into the second half, then the Rebels added a third goal before the Ads could blink.
A pair of FHS corner kicks proved fruitless as time melted away, then Jason Gao looked to nail a breakaway with 5:07 to go.
West’s goalie appeared to interfere with Gao going to the ground, but there was no call.
The Rebels missed two more shots from close range late, and a shot from Farragut’s Charlie Sorochan sailed left with less than three minutes to play.
Ultimately, he was one of the seniors Culbreth said goodbye to after the match.
“I love them and thank you,” the Ads’ coach said of his senior class. “It’s been an honor to coach those kids. They have redefined this program, which is in a very healthy place.”
And that has nothing to do with me. It has to do with my seniors, and I’m heartbroken for them. But this happened, and it’s a nightmare.”
Now, the FHS coach can only hope his underclassmen use this as motivation for next season.
“I hope it stings for a year,” Culbreth said.
