Bexley High School Soccer's Run at States

Photography by Kimarie Martin Photography | Special thanks to the Columbus Crew and OSHAA

Though there were numerous sports moments to be celebrated last fall — from Amiya Bowles winning the Division II state singles tennis title and the cross country team making their 3rd consecutive trip to states — there was something distinctly Bexley about the way the community showed up to support the boys soccer team in their state championship game.

The team, which won State Championships in 2003 and 2005 and had their last visit to State Semi-Finals in 2012, started the year with a sensation -- “Michael Brenner making SportsCenter by scoring a bicycle kick to win our rivalry game against Academy,” says Coach Goggins – and continued a 13-3-1 regular season with losses only against top D1 schools. A host of tournament wins along the way showed just what the team was capable of doing.

The season culminated with the State Championship game at Lower.com field, while the community rallied to buy winter spirit wear so they could fill the stadium in the freezing cold weather.

"We truly had a tremendous and unforgettable season and it would not have been possible without the support of our parents and community. We would not have been as successful as we were without the parents’ constant support, not only in the stands, but with organizing team dinners, senior night, concessions, ball boys, team snap, uniforms, team banquet, spirit wear, etc. etc. allowing the coaches to focus on coaching!” said Coach Goggins. “And then the support we received from the Bexley community as we made our run to the state championship was overwhelming! The amount of people offering encouragement, and cheering from the sidelines at Lower.com created an awe-inspiring atmosphere for us to play in and was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and absolutely amazing!”

The moment wasn’t lost on team Captains, junior defensive midfielder Ethan Nguyen, senior left wing and central attacking midfield James McCann, and senior midfielder Grayson Fletcher.

“Playing at lower.com was like a dream to me,” said Ethan. “The whole time on the field was just magical. The field was perfect, the crowd was electric and I got to play along side people I have been teammates with since I was five. It was an unforgettable experience and I just kept thinking to myself ‘wow, I am playing in a professional stadium.’ ”

“Playing at Lower.com was surreal,” agreed James. “It was a very special moment for the team because this was a goal we established in the preseason. And to be able to walk onto the field with so many members of the community and so many classmates in the stands was a proud feeling. Being able to represent our school on such a big stage was an honor.”

“I want to emphasize how proud I am of everyone on our team for working so hard throughout the entire season and making the year simply unforgettable. This was the best team I have ever been a part of in my entire soccer career and I am so thankful. From our late-night practices at the field to our chaotic team dinners, we became more than teammates and more like brothers. I was so happy to compete each and every day with them to push each other to become the best soccer players and people we could be,” said Grayson. “I give all of my thanks to our hard-working coaching staff, and our team would have been nothing without the passion and intensity that all of our coaches put into each day running the program.”

Coach Goggins added a “shout out to my coaching staff as well: Tucker, Colin, Pepe, Max, and Nick, thank you!! To the team: Seniors, this was your team and you made it a special year, one to be proud of and one you'll never forget! The rest of you, we have #unfinishedbusiness. Time to get to work to bring home that third star in 2023!”

Bexley Ohio Boys High School Soccer 2022-23:

Drew Martin,

Everett Tetzlof,

Michael Brenner,

Eli Rosen,

Andrew Zwick,

Miles Redding,

Jake Greishop,

Grayson Fletcher, Sam Lessard,

James McCann,

Emilio Guerro Parra

Eli Tyson,

Ben Rosen,

Liam Kauffman,

Blake Simons,

Ethan Nguyen, Tyler Diffley,

Tucker Welch,

Nolan Place,

Espen Price,

John Westman,

Jude Nowlin,

Augie Reber,

Emmett Pilskin