Bearden advances to championship tilt

MURFREESBORO – Logan Nelson wanted the pressure.

The Bearden soccer goalkeeper said the feeling of being the last line of defense is not just fun. It’s what he lives for.

“Being able to save the ball in big games and big moments, that’s the whole reason I play the position,” Nelson said. “I love possibly going up and getting hit in midair. It’s kind of the way I’ve been programmed to play the sport.”

Nelson was central to the Bulldogs’ 1-0 win over Hendersonville in the Class AAA state semifinals at Richard Siegel Soccer Complex on Wednesday. The last time Bearden advanced to the state championship game was in 2022.

The semifinal game, initially scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT, was paused due to heavy rain and lighting after four minutes of play. The game was picked up at 8 p.m.

The lone score for Bearden (20-3-1) came from Dillon Sims who received a cross from Aidan Ainsworth in the 12th minute. Hendersonville (16-3-3) had multiple chances thwarted by Bearden’s backline and Nelson.

Bearden will face Ravenwood in the state championship game on Friday at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Bearden’s star goalkeeper in TSSAA soccer tournament

For the second straight state tournament game, Bearden shut out its opponent. While the defenders performed well, they were commanded by Nelson who had six saves against Hendersonville.

Nelson, a junior, is comfortable barking instructions to teammates in front of him to ensure pristine play.

“I like to talk loud,” Nelson said. “I’m a confident person so screaming at them, getting them right I love doing that.”

Bearden coach Ryan Radcliffe said Nelson oozes charisma and the Bulldogs are “lucky to have him.”

New team identity

Bearden is different this year although it maintains the principles that have allowed it to be a powerhouse making the state tournament six consecutive years — the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bulldogs change is due to graduating forward Lucas Nordin.

Radcliffe said Bearden had been “fortunate enough” to rely on last year’s Tennessee Gatorade Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Nordin, now at East Tennessee State, was a two-time all-state honoree and had 27 goals and eight assists as a senior.

“Everybody thought we were going to be down because we lost Lucas Nordin, and I think the boys took it as a challenge that, you know, we’re still Bearden,” Radcliffe said.

Nelson said Nordin was a “baller” and Bearden was still be capable of reaching the state championship round this season.

“Couldn’t be more proud of this group,” Radcliffe said. “So many new players that have never stepped on a state tournament field, giving us minutes when we need it.”

Toyloy Brown III is a Knox News sports reporter. Email toyloy.brown@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly Twitter, @TJ3rd_.