Carvajal's hat trick leads Ashbrook past upstart Huskies

GASTONIA — Ashbrook had reason for concern heading into Tuesday’s soccer match at Hunter Huss.

Not only did the Huskies knock off local power Forestview last week, but they also upset Ashbrook in the Green Wave’s last trip to Hunter Huss.

Ashbrook avoided a repeat, though, rallying to beat the Huskies 3-2 Tuesday in a match delayed from Monday. Senior forward Daniel Carvajal scored all three goals, including the go-ahead goal with 11 minutes remaining.

“Huss didn’t get the results they wanted in the Gazette Cup but they always start playing more as a team as the year goes along and they get stronger,” Ashbrook coach Joel Webb said.

Fortunately for Webb, his team got better as Tuesday’s game went along. Hunter Huss led 1-0 and 2-1 before Ashbrook scored its last two goals in the final 26 minutes. Carvajal’s final goal came in the 71st minute and Ashbrook denied Hunter Huss a legitimate scoring opportunity the rest of the way.

As a result, the Green Wave (8-2-1, 6-0 Big South 3A Conference) completed a perfect first half of its league schedule and built a two-game lead atop the standings. Ashbrook begins the second half of the conference season tonight at home against Crest.

Hunter Huss (8-6, 4-2) was fresh off a 2-1 win over four-time defending Big South champ Forestview. That game marked the first time Huss beat the Jaguars since 2001 and gave the Huskies hopes of delivering a blow to Ashbrook as well.

“This program has developed over the last five years into what I think is one of the best teams in the conference,” fifth-year Huss head coach Mike Pond said. “I think we’ve proven that in the last week.”

Hunter Huss, which beat Ashbrook 1-0 on senior night late last season, led the rematch 1-0 at the break thanks to Mario Aguilar’s goal off a Cesar Garcia assist in the 38th minute. Ashbrook answered just four minutes into the second half with Carvajal’s first goal, which came off a deep throw-in.

Hunter Huss again took the lead in the 53rd minute when Rey Chegue punched it in the back of the net on an assist by Aguilar. But the lead again was short-lived as Carvajal scored just two minutes later.

Ashbrook had a chance to take the lead late on a penalty kick by Casey Frey, but the ball sailed high and wide right. It didn’t matter, though, as Carvajal gave the Green Wave its final margin moments later.

“We just kept on pressing,” Webb said. “Their goalkeeper played well but we were able to sneak a few in.”

Ashbrook out-shot the Huskies 21-17. Juan Villa (two) and Cooper Johnson were credited with the Ashbrook assists. Billy Baucom logged seven saves in goal for the Green Wave. Erik Cole had 14 saves for Hunter Huss, which returns to action tonight at home against North Gaston. 

You can reach Phillip Gardner at 704-869-1843.