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Back to States: Charlottesville boys soccer blanks TA, earns state berth

Photo by Bart Isley

Charlottesville’s boys soccer team didn’t want to repeat the start of their game against Waynesboro late last week. 

 

Senior Angus Munro made sure they didn’t get one. 

 

“We really wanted to get a goal quickly and we just talked about competing for that state ring every year because that’s what CHS does and that’s where we’re headed next,” Munro said. 

 

An early strike from Munro from 35 yards out just 10 minutes into the match helped spark the Black Knights to a 3-0 victory over Turner Ashby in the Region 3C semifinals. The win vaults Charlottesville into next week’s state tournament and sets up a third clash with Monticello Thursday night at 6 p.m. in the region championship. 

 

“That’s what we try and instill in them, that these are the games we want to play in and it takes a lot of hard work to get there,” said Charlottesville coach Martin Braun.

 

Sophomore Thimson Duolo also had a huge impact and continued his absolute tear through the region tournament. Duolo scored four goals against Waynesboro and he notched the second one for the Black Knights against Turner Ashby, scoring just four minutes after Munro’s strike.

 

“He’s been doing great all season and especially recently he’s really stepped up, been playing more physical and scoring goals and holding the ball up when we need it,” Braun said. 

 

Duolo’s goal came on the end of a high, arcing cross from Matteo Erazo – who also had the lone goal of the second half to make it 3-0 Black Knights – followed by a header from Duolo’s brother senior Eddison Duolo. The younger Duolo then connected on a header of his own to send it over the outstretched arms of Turner Ashby’s keeper. 

 

“It’s the love for the boys – my brother is a senior and I’m trying to get a state ring with him,” Thimson Duolo said. “I love it, I love the energy out here, I love the fans. Getting two early goals set us on our way.”

 

From that point on, Charlottesville’s defense led by Munro and keeper Jake Engel made sure that those two early goals were enough to get the job done. Munro neutralized attack after attack by the Knights with patient lockdown defense. 

 

“Angus played great defensively, probably his best game overall,” said Charlottesville coach Martin Braun. “Then that goal for him was huge as a senior.”

 

Engel, meanwhile, made some key saves including stuffing a penalty kick chance late in the second half. 

 

“Great game from him, great save on the penalty kick – he’s our leader there in the back and we were confident he’d make the stops,” Braun said. 

 

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