Murphy Bulldogs Capture SMC Soccer Crown, Earn First-Round Bye in State Tournament

The Murphy Bulldogs closed out their regular season in championship fashion, blanking rival Hayesville 2-0 on Saturday to claim the 2025 Smoky Mountain Conference title. The win marked Murphy’s third straight victory and their second shutout of the Yellow Jackets this season.

The Bulldogs took control early and never let up, displaying the same discipline and teamwork that has carried them all year. With the victory, Murphy improved to 14-3-1 on the season and solidified their position as one of the premier 1A programs in Western North Carolina.

Saturday’s win also capped off a dominant conference run that saw Murphy sweep through their final three matches — a 3-0 win over Summit Charter, a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Blue Ridge Early College, and the clinching 2-0 shutout over Hayesville.

As Smoky Mountain Conference champions, the Bulldogs have been rewarded with a first-round bye in the NCHSAA State Tournament. They’ll rest, regroup, and prepare to host a second-round matchup on Thursday, November 6.

With momentum on their side and confidence running high, the Bulldogs will look to extend their winning streak and make a deep postseason run. Murphy fans, known for packing the stands, will no doubt be ready to roar when tournament play kicks off under the lights this week.