×

HB gets revenge, knocks out Windham

When Guillem Pujadas makes a promise, the Hollis Brookline High School boys soccer team almost always expects him to deliver.

That’s why there was no surprise that after he promised his teammates he’d score three goals, Pujadas came through with the hat trick in the top-seeded Cavaliers’ 3-0 Division II quarterfinal win over No. 8 Windham in the rain on Saturday.

“I said ‘No reason why you shouldn’t,’” Cavs coach Rick Carvalho said he told Pujadas, an exchange student from Spain. “He really can score three every game.”

Pujadas’ three goals helped land the Cavaliers in the semifinal Wednesday at Nashua’s Stellos Stadium against Oyster River. Did his coach’s confidence inspire him to make that promise?

“I had been working hard all week,” Pujadas said. “I had a good feeling. I believe in my team and my mids.”

Pujadas’ first goal came just over 16 minutes into the game, as he dribbled in off a pass from Jack Barbour and beat diving Windham keeper Parker Hudson (five saves) to the far post.

The Cavs took that 1-0 lead into the half, and perhaps the first 15 minutes or so of the second half was the only time the outcome was in doubt, as the 10-7-1 Jaguars managed four good shots off Cavs goalie Mike Pattelena (five saves) during that span.

“Anytime a team is an underdog and their season is on the line, that’s the most dangerous team to play against,” Carvalho said. “But I was able to get Evan Porter and Nate Rogers back in the game (both had received yellow cards) and things settled down. Then we got those two goals and everything changed.”

Those two goals wrapped up the hat trick for Pujadas, the first at 21:19 of the second half, assisted by Sam Langley, and the second with just under six minutes left off a cross from Cole Owens.

“Their style fit the conditions,” Windham coach Michael Hachey said. “They capitalized on their opportunities.”

Now it’s on to the semis.

“This is nice, it’s a stepping stone,” Carvalho said. “Either Lebanon or Oyster River will be major competition for us.”