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WRIGHT TWP. — Throughout his high school career, Hubert Herrera has been one of the best soccer players in the Wyoming Valley Conference.
The Crestwood senior has been a key cog to the team’s success over his four years. But had it not been for depth on the roster, the Comets wouldn’t have succeeded as much as they have.
With Herrera minimized on Monday in the District 2 Class 3A semifinals against Wallenpaupack, the way was paved for other team members to step up.
On Monday, that player was Max Gariano. The senior scored both Comet goals in a 2-1 victory, leading the team to the D2 final for the fourth straight season, facing Dallas for the title.
“We came into this one and knew it was going to be a tough one and we just played as 11, we played as one,” Gariano said. “When we play our game, I think we’re the best one around.”
The Buckhorns weren’t going to let Herrera hurt them. As soon as he touched the ball, he was swarmed by as many as five Wallenpaupack players. He was double- or triple-teamed throughout the game as the opposing defense kept him in check.
“The whole team played amazing, but especially Max,” Comets coach David McFarland said. “When they double-team or triple-team Hubert, it allowed Max to have a lot more freedom to dribble through or find open passes.”
Gariano’s best performance of his career started at the 8:51 mark of the first half. After the Comets had been pushing through the Buckhorns defense without any success, Gariano finally struck for a 1-0 lead.
Less than 10 minutes into the second half, Gariano hit the back of the net once again. Both goals were assisted by Herrera, who managed to feed the ball through defenders to help out the goal.
“This is one of my top games in my high school career, two goals in the semifinal,” Gariano said. “It’s very special. I love Crestwood. I love playing for the team. I love the coach. Scoring two and helping the team out means a lot to me.”
Crestwood’s defense was stingy on the bitter night only allowing eight shots on goal. The only score from Wallenpaupack came with 1:42 remaining on a free kick by Jake Carrubba.
“The defense was real strong tonight I thought,” McFarland said. “They were close on the mark and able to hold the forwards because Wallenpaupack’s forwards were really good, they were really strong and a lot of pace on the wings.”
With the win, the Comets will play the Mountaineers for the third straight time in the district final. The teams have split the last two, but Crestwood has won two of the last three district championships, also claiming gold in 2015.
Wednesday’s match will be the 10th meeting between the teams over the last three seasons. Crestwood has won the last six games between the two with Dallas claiming two victories in the series in that span. There has also been one tie.
“We’ve played in the final the last three years now and I don’t think we’re scared at all,” Gariano said. “It’s so fun.”
District 2 Class 3A semifinals
Crestwood 2, Wallenpaupack 1
Wallenpaupack`0`1 – 1
Crestwood`1`1 – 2
First half: 1. CRE, Max Gariano (Hubert Herrera), 8:51. Second half: 2. CRE, Gariano (Herrera) 30:04; 3. WAL, Jake Carrubba 1:42
Shots: WAL 9, CRE 16; Saves: WAL 11 (Derrick Vosburg), CRE 3 (Chris Smith); Corners: WAL 2, CRE 5
