East Rowan head coach Nermin Hodzic. Photo Credit: Sean Meyers

South stars Alex Morales and Carlos Landaverde.

From staff reports

GASTONIA — East Rowan claimed the first playoff win in program history the hard way, rallying to beat Hunter Huss 4-3.

East’s first-round victory in the 5A West bracket appeared unlikely when the Mustangs fell behind 2-0 after 20 minutes.

Noah Dillon scored twice as the 19th-seeded Mustangs (11-10-1) climbed back in it. Patrick Sanchez scored to give East a 3-2 lead at the half.

Huss fought back to get level at 3-all, but East got a game-decider from Matthew Avalos with about three minutes left. After a long throw-in, Matthew Avalos tapped in the winning goal.

East set a program record for wins. Next for the Mustangs is a trip to third-seeded Hickory on T

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