Regional Boys Soccer: Second half explosion sends Woodrow Wilson past George Washington

Flying Eagles score five goals in the final nine minutes for a 6-1 win over the Patriots

For 70 minutes Thursday night in the windy, rainy conditions, George Washington was in striking distance of Woodrow Wilson in the AAAA Region 3 state qualifier match.

The hope of an upset over the top-seeded Flying Eagles disappeared in a span of three minutes.

Leading the Patriots 1-0, Woodrow Wilson ripped off three quick goals on its way to a 6-1 decision over its longtime rival.

State Tournament seeding will be announced Friday morning. The AAAA boys semifinals will be played in the morning session next Thursday. The championship match will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8.

The Flying Eagles took a 1-0 lead at the break on a goal from Hagen Hall who made good a beautiful assist from Coby Dillon.

While the home team had some good chances, the ball never found the back of the net for nearly 40 minutes, giving the visitors hope.

However, a hard foul on senior defender Jackson Gray, who was making a run, appeared to change the complexion of the battle for the Beckley boys.

Hall proceed to nail another winner on an assist from Dylan Basconi a minute after the foul for a 2-0 lead.

The euphoria from Hall's second goal had barely settle when Ali Farghaly banged in rebound off of the far post for a 3-0 advantage.

Two minutes later Dillon ripped a winner that curled just under the bar inside the far post the 4-0 lead.

Vince Umberger later converted a penalty kick and Alex Belcher capped the six-goal explosion with the first postseason winner of his high school career.

Woodrow Wilson captured the Class AAA state title last year. As a result of expanded classifications, the Flying Eagles will now look to be the first-ever AAAA state champions.

Head coach Steve Laraba talked about the win and heading back to the state tournament.