The Western Albemarle High School boys soccer program had an impressive season, with the junior varsity team going undefeated and the varsity team claiming their first Jefferson District Title in nearly a decade. The varsity team was led by head coach Michael Nafziger and finished with an overall record of 15-3-1, which included defeating the eventual 4-A state champions, the Jamestown Eagles, and a region record of 11-2-1.
On the varsity team, senior Alex Keeton and junior Jamey Williamson emerged as two of the top players, leading the team in goals and assists, respectively. Keeton finished the season with 16 goals and 8 assists and Williamson with 12 goals and 11 assists. Senior Daniel Sanchez claimed the third overall spot for goals scored and assists, with 9 and 6 respectively.
There were many notable games throughout the regular season, particularly Western’s home conference match against Orange, which Western won 5-0. While the team lost their playoff game against Jefferson Forest by a score of 2-1 at the end of May, they ranked as the top team in the Jefferson District and brought the first district title to Western in nine seasons.
Six players were named to the All-Region Teams this season. Seniors Keeton and Carter Shaffer, juniors Williamson, Rafael Ibanez, and Ben Brockmeier, and sophomore Dillon Bergert were chosen for the honor.
Western had eight varsity players who finished in the top twenty-five of the overall district rankings for the season with Keeton, Williamson, and Sanchez claiming the third, fourth, and eighth spots.
Seniors Cullen Webster and Grayson Bergert earned honorable mentions All-Region for their outstanding contributions and Keeton, Williamson and Shaffer were also named to the All-State Teams.
