CHARLEROI -- Following his team's 3-1 win over Class A Section 4 champion Carlynton Tuesday, Charleroi soccer coach George Watkins said he and his staff finally saw the Cougars play the way they are capable.
"This was a great effort," he said. "This was the first time we played a complete 80 minutes.
"We had them beat last time, but like we did a few times this season, we let them back in the game.."
Three weeks ago, Charleroi led Carlynton 1-0, but gave up the game-tying goal with under three minutes to play before losing in overtime.
"To be truthful, not only should we have won that game, but the only loss we should have was the Ringgold game," Watkins said. "We should have won every other game we have played."
Watkins' confidence in his team was deserved after its performance Tuesday night in a contest that was as one-sided as any you will see, but he also knows that there is work to be done.
While his team has clinched at least a share of second place in the section, Watkins knows that his team has a lot to gain at Monessen Thursday.
"If we win, we may host a playoff game," he said. "If we lose, then we end up tied with Monessen and will probably have to go on the road. "I'd much rather host a game."
After two near misses in the opening minutes, Charleroi scored with 27:08 left in the first half when Dane Hostovich put in a rebounded shot by Josh Hanson.
Hanson gave the Cougars a 2-0 lead with 9:25 left in the opening half when he scored off of a corner kick off the right foot of Greg Black.
"The two goal lead was huge," Watkins said. "But we let them back in it right before the half."
Connor Handerhan cut the Charleroi lead in half with 2:53 remaining before halftime, but Carlynton would not threaten again.
Hanson assisted Chase Ayers with a cross pass with 28:47 remaining to close out the scoring for Charleroi.
"Josh played the game of his life," Watkins said. "This was the best I have seen him play in four years."
Watkins also praised the play of defenders Zach Shulock, Brent Nucci and Zach Hostovich.
"They played great in back," he said. "They controlled the back much like Dane and Josh controlled play up front."
Larry Pierce made six saves for Charleroi while the Cougars took 21 shots.
With the win, Charleroi (9-4-1, 8-3) eliminated Beth Center from the playoffs.
Charleroi 's game at Monessen will start at 4:45 p.m.
