Lance Hawley

Little Rock- The Bobcats Soccer Team saw their remarkable season come to an end Thursday with a 3-2 loss to Harding Academy in the State Tournament. In a game where everything 50/50 seemed to go in Harding’s favor, the Bobcats fought extremely hard to battle back at give themselves a chance in the last few minutes. Hope had multiple shots that were inches away from being goals, including a ball that banged off the crossbar. Aniell Felipe got the scoring going for Hope as he evened the game at 1-1 after a PK goal for Harding Academy on a super impressive goal on a very nice pass from Kelston Mask. Harding would score again before half to make it a 2-1 deficit at the half. Harding would connect for another goal to put the Bobcats behind 3-1. Brian Jimenez found Manuel Retana on a spectacular goal to bring the Bobcats within 1 goal with 5 minutes remaining. Harding’s goalie made a save with about 10 seconds left in the game to end Hope’s season with a 3-2 loss. Hope never gave up and fought valiantly in the 2nd half. Gilberto Dominguez had a heck of a season and had multiple runs this season where he went multiple games without allowing a goal. The defense was spectacular all season long, and there were many very impressive goals. Hope had a great overall record of 11-3-2 and put on a very exciting show to all the fans that came out to support the Bobcats all season long. The senior class will definitely be missed by Coach Marshall and Coach Dominguez, the fans, and their younger teammates. It was great being able to cover such a great season, we at SWARK want to congratulate you all on a great season.