Wando boys blank Lexington in Class AAAA soccer playoffs

MOUNT PLEASANT — Lexington handed Wando one of its three losses this season, but the Warriors exacted revenge when it mattered most.

After a 1-0 defeat to the Wildcats on Feb. 24 in the opening game of the Raising Cane’s Carolina Soccer Classic, Wando dispatched Lexington, 5-0, in the second round of the Class AAAA boys soccer playoffs Thursday at Wando Stadium.

“(Lexington) beat us the first game of the season, so we thought we owed them,” said Wando coach Shilo Tisdale. “It is always nice when we’re in a position to step up and prove that that should have never happened.”

Wando (25-3) dominated the first half, outshooting the Wildcats 9-1. Only two of Wando’s shots were on target, but both went in the net.

In the 10th minute, Erik Clark fed a through-ball to Christian Jablonski, who chipped Lexington goalkeeper Jacob Parton for his 15th goal of the season.

Hamilton Carlin gave the defending state champions a 2-0 cushion when he headed in a loose ball in the 19th minute.

Coming off a 2-1 first-round win over Summerville, the second-seeded Wildcats (11-13-1) posed a significant challenge despite their sub-.500 record. In addition to defeating Wando, Lexington beat perennial power Irmo, 1-0, on April 26.

Carlin added a second goal in the 46th minute — his 16th of the campaign — and Christopher Corontzes’ shot through traffic found the back of the net in the 71st minute to end all hope of a Lexington comeback.

Charlie Heffron added a goal with two minutes left.

Wando keeper Hunter Greer made one save en route to his third straight shutout.

The Warriors will host Ashley Ridge on Saturday.