Westminster prevails in rivals' first meeting

Having grown up attending Augusta Prep, senior Daniel Hull is familiar with his school's archrival.

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The Cavaliers' goalkeeper, who also plays basketball, was in the net Tuesday and charged with stopping Westminster.

"I know all the names of the kids that are coming at me," Hull said.

One name stuck out.

Wildcats senior Will McCartney scored both goals during Westminster's 2-0 shutout of Augusta Prep. McCartney scored on a straightaway blast from 15 yards out during the first half and on a second-half penalty kick, an 8-yard shot that glanced off Hull's hand and rolled in.

The rivals meet again Oct. 6, but the early edge in GISA Region 1-AAA belongs to Westminster.

"It was a good battle, just like last year was," Westminster coach Mike Freace said. "A lot of our guys know each other, so it's always a good atmosphere."

Augusta Prep snagged its first region title last season, splitting the regular season meetings with Westminster and taking the title based on goal differential.

First-year Cavaliers coach Tom Norton said his team could still be in the hunt at the end of the season. The Cavaliers dropped the first meeting last season, but they won at Westminster.

"If we played as well as we could tonight and it was 2-0, that would be a different story," Norton said. "But we didn't play anywhere close to our capability."

Westminster scored its first goal at 24:42 in the first half on McCartney's shot. Hull was otherwise solid for much of the game, making several diving stops and finding the ball in traffic.

He dove and got a hand on McCartney's penalty kick from 8 yards out in the second half, but the ball rolled inside the left post with 16:21 remaining. The Cavaliers dropped a pair of backs and pushed forward after that, creating several opportunities. But they weren't able to punch one in.

"We weren't really thinking about what we needed to be doing," Hull said. "We were more focused on the rivalry and intensity."

The Wildcats were able to maintain their poise. Westminster's goalie collided with a teammate midway through the first half, leaving the net empty. Junior defender Heath Robinson dropped back in the net and stopped two shots when it looked sure the Cavaliers would get the equalizer.

"It's always a close game against Prep," McCartney said. "I think we played really well."