Asheville showed Wednesday why its early-season record could be deceiving.
The Cougars struck three times in less than five minutes late in the first half, then added two second-half goals to hand Polk County its first loss of the season, 5-0, in Asheville.
Asheville entered the match 1-2-3, but against an extremely challenging schedule and with its usual reputation as one of Western North Carolina’s stronger programs.
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The Cougars broke through with 32:48 remaining in the first half. Moses Goldstein worked free to collect a direct kick and found the right side of the net from about 12 yards out.
Asheville doubled the lead just more than four minutes later. Nate Danielian drove into the left corner and sent a cross into the area that was deflected into the air. Goldstein attempted a bicycle kick in traffic, and the ball dropped into a crowd in front of the goal, where Noah Antonescu knocked it home with 28:26 remaining.
Just 34 seconds later, Antonescu sent a long ball down the right wing. Goldstein won the race to it, eluded a defender and drove a shot from a difficult angle over Polk goalkeeper Charlie Wagoner for a 3-0 lead.
Asheville added to the margin in the second half when Harry Parden’s long shot from the left wing struck the crossbar. James Cash collected the rebound and scored with 23:08 remaining.
Wagoner denied the Cougars another goal with 8:20 left, stopping an Asheville penalty kick.
Cash completed the scoring with 5:51 remaining. Colin Kitt dribbled through the Polk defense and forced a save from Wagoner, but Cash was in position to put away the rebound for his second goal.
The loss dropped Polk County to 5-1. The Wolverines have a week off before opening Western Highlands Conference play Wednesday at home against Owen.
