Millbrook Edges Laney on Penalties in State Playoffs
Millbrook wins a penalty kick shootout after the game ends 2-2, advancing to face Hoggard next week.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Soccer
Millbrook, the sixth-seeded team, defeated third-seeded Laney in a penalty kick shootout after the second-round state playoff game ended tied 2-2. Laney led 2-0 at halftime before Millbrook scored a penalty kick and a header to force overtime.
Why it matters
The loss ends Laney's season, while Millbrook advances to a matchup with the reigning state champion Hoggard Vikings. The result shows how a single shootout can decide a playoff run after a late comeback.
Millbrook's win sets up a second-round-to-third-round matchup against Hoggard at the Shipyard on Monday. Laney's exit means the Wilmington squad will not play again this postseason.
The players
Laney Wildcats
Laney is a high school soccer program in Wilmington, North Carolina, which earned the third seed in the state playoffs.
Millbrook Mustangs
Millbrook is a high school soccer program in Raleigh, North Carolina, which earned the sixth seed in the state playoffs.
Hoggard Vikings
Hoggard is the reigning state champion in high school soccer and will face Millbrook next round.
The details
Tristan Mouney and Conner Wall scored for Laney in the first half to build a 2-0 lead. Zach Stevens converted a penalty kick and Brennan Cleveland headed in a goal to tie the match at 2-2, and Laney goalkeeper Carson Mattox made a save in overtime before Millbrook won the shootout.
Timeline
Nov. 5, 2026: Millbrook defeats Laney on penalty kicks in the second round.
Monday: Millbrook faces Hoggard at the Shipyard.
Season Trajectory
Millbrook's upset of the third seed moves it into the state quarterfinal bracket against the defending champion. Laney's elimination closes its season after a tied, shootout-decided second-round game.
Fans following Millbrook can expect a Monday matchup against Hoggard, and fantasy-style watchers should note the tied game went to penalties. Laney's season ending means no further postseason games for its players.
The takeaway
Playoff soccer can turn on a single penalty shootout, so late goals and goalkeeper saves matter as much as seeding. Readers following local teams should watch the Monday matchup at the Shipyard.
What happens next
Millbrook faces Hoggard at the Shipyard on Monday in the next round of the state playoffs.
Further reading
For more high school results, see the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WWAYTV3.
