Back to back: American Fork repeats as 6A state champions with a 1-0 win over Bingham
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- American Fork senior Jayden Brown battles for the ball during the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork players pose for a photo with the trophy after winning the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork players pose for a photo with the trophy after winning the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork junior Logan Gubler kicks the ball clear during the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork junior Beckham Rosenthal dribbles the ball up the field during the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork senior Miller Hall takes a free kick during the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork senior Preston Osborne heads the ball during the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork junior Beckham Rosenthal explodes past a defender during the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork senior Preston Osborne (9) battles for the ball during the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork senior Demetri Larsen (left) battles for the ball during the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork senior keeper Jaxon Dingus punches the ball clear during the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork senior Sam Nettesheim (6) heads the ball away during the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork senior Lewis Knecht gets fouled during the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork players try to block a free kick during the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork players celebrate after winning the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork head coach Casey Waldron hugs one of his players after winning the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork players celebrate after winning the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork players celebrate after winning the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork players celebrate after winning the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork players celebrate after winning the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
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- American Fork players celebrate after winning the 6A championship game against Bingham at America First Field in Sandy on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
American Fork put to rest any doubt of who is the top dog in 6A state soccer on Thursday with a 1-0 win over Bingham at America First Field.
It’s reward was a second-straight 6A state championship trophy, repeating a feat achieved 40 years ago, the last time when the Cavemen won back-to-back state championships, or any boys soccer championship, for that matter.
As the players celebrated their remarkable achievement, Caveman Coach Casey Waldron reflected on what earning back to back championships says about this year’s team.
“Last year everyone thought it was a fluke,” Waldron said. “This year, what meant more to us coaches and the boys, was to be able to go back-to-back and that isn’t a fluke. It almost kind of validates last year’s championship (more.) So, for me, that’s what stands out.”
Standing out in American Fork’s validation process was senior striker Lewis Knecht, who accounted for the game’s lone goal in the 30th minute of play. Knecht was presented an open goal courtesy of a quality assist from fellow senior Demetri Larsen and made certain to capitalize.
“Fortunately I got that one through and made the most of my opportunity,” Knecht said. “I got a great ball from Demetri and credit goes to him. I was just fortunate to get that opportunity and I knew I’d get it through that time.”
Knecht’s quality of play allows for several goal-scoring opportunities in most games, and more often than not, he follows through. But during Tuesday’s 2-1 semifinal win over Skyridge, the Caveman star didn’t connect on at least three open goals, which worked to sharpen his focus and determination on Thursday.
“I was upset about it. Those aren’t shots that I miss, and I was pretty upset I wasn’t able to put those through for my team, to be honest,” Knecht said. “But no way was that going to happen again. I’m just so happy to be able to have had the opportunity and to do it for my teammates.”
Knecht was also the target of a lot of physical play, a fact that has become common throughout the year, although Bingham may have turned it up a notch. While Knecht absolutely bore the brunt of most of it, most of American Fork players had to fight through it as well, and like their senior captain, withstood just about all of it.
“When they step on the pitch they flip that switch and they’re able to absorb that physicality for 80 minutes. You saw that today,” Waldron said. “Credit to Bingham, and they are a physical team, but we were able to absorb it. So credit to our guys for being able to absorb it and not lose their minds.”
As for Knecht’s play, Waldron reserved special praise.
“We try not to say that our team isn’t about just one guy, but he is a difference-maker,” Waldron said. “He’s a special player who will go on to the next level and do big things.”
But as Waldron and Knecht himself are always quick to point out, American Fork is far more than just one player. Waldron repeatedly mentioned several players, including a group of 15 seniors that led the way in their championship run. A lot of those players stood out on the defensive end, withstanding a fairly consistent barrage from Bingham, particularly during the game’s final 10 minutes.
“Our defense? Best defense in the state,” Knecht appraised. “Everything there is just up and out. They don’t mess around back there.”
In Waldron’s mind, his team perhaps put too much on his backline following Knecht’s goal.
“When you go up a goal the tactics become more about clock management and game management, and I think we did that a little too much,” he said. “I think that we should have put some more pressure on their backline, but hats off to our defense.”
The defense was again led by senior goalkeeper Jaxon Dingus, who blocked everything kicked his way while coordinating effectively American Fork’s back line.
“They were composed, they won great balls along with aerial challenges, and for us that was huge,” Waldron said. “That was the difference in the game was being able to stay compact and connected.”
Following the match, American Fork players rushed to connect with their very supportive student body, faculty and family, lending out hugs and sharing the championship trophy. It’s a moment all involved won’t soon forget and will work ardently to repeat when the occasion arises.
“It’s cool to bring another trophy home and have, not only the student body, but the administrators be able to say, ‘Wow, this is something special that doesn’t happen very often,'” Waldron concluded. “We don’t want to wait another 40 years to do it again, though, that’s for sure.”
