The most successful season ever for Nansemond River High School’s boys’ soccer team ended in an overtime loss in the 5A state semifinals game Friday at Westfield High School.

The Warriors’ magical season has come to an end after a strong month in which they willed their way into the state tournament. In their last month, the Warriors won nearly 10 straight games without a loss.

In the first half of Friday’s game against Briar Woods High School, the Falcons controlled the tempo, but the game was still a scoreless tie at halftime. In the second half, the Warriors had very few chances but were able to do enough defensively to keep the game scoreless.

The energy was there for Nansemond River for the whole game, and Suffolk traveled well to support the Warriors.

After a back-and forth affair against Briar Woods in regulation, the two teams went to overtime. In the first overtime period, a Briar Woods free shot was cleared by Nansemond River, and both teams stalled out, sending the game into a second overtime period. At the 92-minute mark, a goal by Brad Snively resulted in a 1-0 win for Briar Woods.

However, Nansemond River’s players felt they played well.

“We played a really good game against a tough opponent,” goalie David Wright said. “It was a very intense game. We played our hearts out and left it all on the field.”

“We did everything in our power to try to overcome one of the top-ranked teams in the state,” senior Sasha Karlov said. “We had them on their heels for most of the game, but we played hard.”

Nansemond River’s team had its best season in school history. The Warriors were PenSouth tournament champions, while also accumulating the most wins in a season for an NRHS team. They were also the runner-up in the 5A South region. The state tournament trip was also a first in the school’s history.

Every player from freshman to senior was grateful for the season the Warriors were able to put together and the bonds that were built.

“I’m extremely proud to be a part of a team that accomplished so much,” Karlov said. “We beat so many good teams that never gave us any thought, because they felt they were better. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better senior season. We are written in history forever, and I’m extremely proud to be a part of a team that accomplished so much.”