Ever since the Nitro boys soccer team lost in the state championship game last year, the Wildcats have used the disappointment as motivation all season long.
Nitro will get an opportunity to avenge its defeat after edging Point Pleasant 1-0 at home in a hard-fought match in the Class AAA Region 4 tournament championship at Underwood Field to advance to the state tournament.
The Wildcats (19-1-1) now await their opponent and time in the state tournament to be held in Beckley Nov. 4-7 at the YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Sports Complex.
“It feels awesome,” Nitro coach Jim Jordan said. “It was back and forth all night long, and Point came to play. The regional final was exactly what it should be. Somebody is going to come out on top, and fortunately and thankfully, it was us tonight.
“Since that loss last season, we have had pictures posted in our locker room of that game. That has been motivation and a goal to get back there. Hopefully these guys keep pushing like they are. We have got an opportunity now.”
Still in a scoreless game, Nitro broke through with the game-winner with just over 10 minutes to play in the match. Kaden Shaffer scored off a corner-kick assist from Roy Torres for the...