Idaho: Coeur d'Alene Charter Soccer Star Liam Hughes Nets Hat Trick in Playoff-Clinching Thriller

In Coeur d'Alene, versatile forward Liam Hughes of Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy orchestrated a 4-1 playoff-securing rout of rival Lakeland, bagging a hat trick with a 40-yard free kick stunner that went viral. The junior's vision has transformed a rebuilding program into district frontrunners.

Underdog vibe:

After transferring from a no-frills middle school program, Hughes battled early-season injuries with sheer willpower, mentoring younger teammates through defeats. Fans on X crowned him "Lake City legend," sharing tales of his off-field humility—like coaching pee-wee clinics—fueling the team's phoenix-like turnaround.