The Hive Sports

by Joe Oliver

May 23, 2024 – America First Field, Sandy, UT.

For the first time in 40 years, American Fork high school found itself at the top of all other soccer teams in region 6A play. They entered the championship as a number 2 seed facing top seed Farmington.

American Fork junior forward Lewis Knecht scored and the team began to celebrate before the goal was called off due to an offsides penalty. 

The Cavemen defenders fought to defend their lead. Their goalie, Sebastian Barreda, also had a handful of key saves after Peay left the game early.

American Fork junior Demitri Larsen scored the game’s only goal, and Farmington was shut out for only the second time all season. Farmington was unbeaten with only two tie games at the end of regulation all year. The first came against Weber High School on May 1, and the second was against Pleasant Grove in the semifinals. Both of those games ended with PKs in favor of Farmington. 

The second half was filled with rough play and culminated with multiple yellow cards. Emotions were high and both sides battled with no regard for the penalties they would inevitably receive.

Finishing the game 1-0, American Fork won its first boys soccer state title since 1984.

All images courtesy Joe Oliver.