By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Visiting West Forsyth men’s soccer lived up to its billing as one of the top 2025 programs in North Carolina on Sept. 1, before falling, 1-0, to host Watauga.
The Pioneers’ senior striker, Asher Hampton, took advantage of a “ruckus” in front of the Titans’ defended net in the last minute of the first half, punching a ball through the melee along the ground, past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. Watauga’s defense made the one-goal advantage stand up the rest of the way.
Hampton described West Forsyth to reporters after the match as the best team he has played against.
One of those key defending backline players for the Pioneers, junior Miller Hankins was complimentary of his teammates, saying they communicated extremely well and covered for each other effectively.
Now 3-1-1 on the young season after playing four matches in five days — beating top programs in Cuthbertson, Reagan and West Forsyth while losing only to Charlotte Catholic over that span — Watauga goes on the road to tackle Patton (Morganton) on Sept. 3.
Coming into the Sept. 1 contest, West Forsyth, an 8A (large) school under the new NCHSAA classifications, is ranked No. 85 nationally by MaxPreps and No. 4 in North Carolina.
Watauga, with a 6A classification, was ranked No. 455 nationally, No. 48 in North Carolina and No. 14 in the Charlotte area by MaxPreps.
BONUS PHOTOS (click any image for SLIDE SHOW MODE)
All photographic images by David Rogers for High Country Sports
