By Chris Sokoloski

csokoloski@gtowntimes.com

A fluke goal by Academic Magnet kept Waccamaw High's boys soccer team from advancing to the state championship game.

Both teams battled to a scoreless tie in the first half and then Academic Magnet tallied the only goal at the 55-minute mark. A pass by the Raptors' Nick Nybo's deflected off a Warriors' player past goalkeeper Taylor King and into the net.

"It happens sometimes, it's the way it goes," said Waccamaw coach Ben Schoen. "Both defenses played outstanding. It was a great semi-final. Everybody did their best."

Waccamaw could not even take advantage after Academic Magnet's starting goalkeeper Brady Allardice was removed from the game after getting a red card with 10:20 left in first half. The Raptors were forced to play short-handed for the rest of the game.

Waccamaw struggled to take advantage of the extra player and it wasn't until the last few minutes of the contest that the Warriors tested the Raptors' defense.

Academic Magnet outshot Waccamaw 12-9.

King had six saves in goal for the Warriors.

Schoen said King and the rest of the seniors "set the tone" for the younger kids.

"They did a great job. They're great kids. They can walk away knowing they knocked off Bishop England. It's a new day in certain ways here and I thing they're responsible for that."

It was the eighth Lower State final for Waccamaw, which finished the season 20-3-1. The Warriors set school records for most wins and fewest goals allowed, and tied the record for shutouts.

"It was a tremendous year," Schoen said. "I think we all believed we were going to make it this year. I think that's the hardest part to deal with."

Greg Hutton contributed to this story.