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By Scott Loftis
SLoftis@CarrollCoNews.com
The Green Forest Tigers are back in familiar territory.
The Tigers have advanced to the championship game of the Class 3A state soccer tournament for the third time in the past five years, defeating Central Arkansas Christian 4-1 in the semifinal round on Saturday, May 13, in Harrison.
Green Forest will play conference rival Haas Hall Academy of Bentonville in the state championship game at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 20, on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
Green Forest, which won the Class 4A state title in 2014, lost to CAC in the Class 3A championship game in 2019. After the 2020 state tournament was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tigers returned to the title game in 2021 and won their second state championship with a victory over Harding Academy.
Harding Academy avenged that loss in the 2022 semifinals, but Green Forest rolled back into the title game this season under first-year coach Adam Richter. The Tigers have outscored their three opponents in this year’s tournament by a combined margin of 21-1.
"I expected the team to perform well at state, but I was surprised that things went so well for us — especially the first two matches,” Richter said, pointing to the Tigers’ 7-0 first-round victory over Hermitage and a 10-0 win over Mountain View in the quarterfinals. “Those first two went really well for us, and we were able to keep a clean sheet while racking up a lot of goals. I was very pleased with the way the team played.”
The semifinal game against CAC was a physical affair, with the Tigers clinging to a 1-0 lead at halftime before pulling away in the second half.
“Our semifinal match was really tough,” Richter said. “CAC was a very competitive opponent, and they are incredibly skilled. Our team managed to keep their composure and outperform them to get the win. I couldn’t be more proud of my athletes.”
Green Forest senior Izaak Merida, one of the team’s top offensive threats, was injured in the victory over CAC. Richter said Sunday that Merida’s availability for the title game wasn’t clear.
“I’m not completely sure about Izaak’s status,” Richter said. “I think he still needs additional scans for a proper diagnosis. Right now, we are hoping that staying off his leg and rest will be enough for him to play. As a senior, I know how important it is for him to be able to play. All we can do as a team is pray for his quick recovery and hope that he can see some play time.”
Green Forest will be facing a familiar opponent in Haas Hall. The Huskies are the only 3A West team to beat the Tigers this season, claiming a 2-0 victory on May 1 at Tiger Stadium. The teams played to a 2-2 tie on March 6 at Bentonville.
"I think there are advantages and disadvantages to playing a conference opponent,” Richter said. “On one hand, we know their play style and have met them twice this season. On the other hand, they are the opponent that has given us the most trouble. I believe the key to the state title will be whichever team wants it more. I’m confident that my team has what it takes. We just need to maintain our composure and play with the same drive we have been in the state tournament so far.
“I have a huge amount of respect for Haas Hall’s team and coach. They have done superbly this season. I look forward to meeting them again in the finals.”
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