Augusta Prep scores stunner against rival

Augusta Prep boys soccer coach Forrest Wimberly knew his team had the potential to upset Westminster.

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"Remember yesterday at practice," Wimberly said to his players after the Tuesday night matchup with Augusta Prep's region rival. "I was yelling at you and yelling at you and yelling at you. This is why. Because I knew that you're capable of this."

The Cavaliers rocked the GISA world with a 1-0 upset of Westminster. The Wildcats, who entered the game ranked No. 2 in GISA Class AAA, flirted with several goal-scoring opportunities throughout the night, but they never converted. On the other hand, No. 5 Augusta Prep took advantage of its scoring chances when it needed it the most.

The Cavaliers managed just two shots on goal for the entire game, but converted one.

A steal and shot from Augusta Prep's Cameron Guthrie deflected off a Westminster defender and into the goal for the game's only score with about 30 minutes remaining in the match.

Augusta Prep's defense, led by junior defender William Matheson and junior goalkeeper Daniel Hull, held the Wildcats scoreless and gave the Cavaliers their first win over Westminster since 2005.

"It's definitely disappointing," Westminster head coach Mike Freace said. "Obviously, we have to try not to lose sight of the big picture. We played good, and we'll have to get ready when we see them again."

The one-goal victory lifted the Cavaliers into first place in the Region 1-AAA standings, but that could change. The two teams will meet again in regular-season play later this year. Wimberly said that makes Tuesday night's win only half the battle.

"In three weeks, they come to us," he said. "We have a one-goal lead on them right now, but we'll have to be ready for them again."

The region-deciding rematch will come on Oct. 7, when the Wildcats travel to Augusta Prep. The game is scheduled for 5 p.m.