Hopewell’s Cole Tesar provided the match’s first goal, and Hough’s Nathaniel Goodwin responded to tie it at 1-1 at the break.

“We played well,” said Hopewell coach Robb Bolar. “We hung with them. It’s one of the better games we’ve played.”

But Hough, ranked third among the state’s 4A teams, immediately went on the attack after the intermission, with Goodwin setting up Roberts’ goal.

“I think that was huge to come out and snatch the lead back, put the pressure on them,” said Hough coach David Smith, whose team is 13-1-2 overall and 8-0-1 in the I-Meck.

James Jackson added a goal with 7:39 to play, and Roberts extended the lead to 4-1 with 7:04 to play. Goodwin also assisted on those goals.

Both coaches applauded the play of Hopewell keeper Ryan Santee, who kept the Titans (5-7-2, 4-4-1) in the contest with multiple saves.

The loss was Hopewell’s sixth to teams ranked in the top 10 of the state’s 4A coaches poll.

In other I-Meck action, Hough beat Vance 4-2 last Wednesday behind goals from Davis Park, Santiago Patino, Mace Timberlake and Andres Duarte.

Hopewell beat West Charlotte 7-0 that night. Goals were scored by Tesar, Wesley Petrick, Austin Clamon, Marcel Boss, Max McGee, Rodrigo Raez and Clay Spivey.