CHAPEL HILL - Apex boys soccer coach Kevin Todd knew he was going up against a solid defense at East Chapel Hill in the second round of the NCHSAA 4A playoffs, a team that had allowed more than two goals only once this season.

After a 3-0 win Saturday that sent his Cougars into the third round, he stressed the importance of not just generating scoring chances, but finishing them.

"I watched the (East vs. Broughton, first round) game, and Broughton had opportunities, they just didn't capitalize on them," said Todd.

Apex got just the start it needed when a poor clear just outside East's box landed at the feet of sophomore Elliot Reid. The left back curved a shot over and around the outstretched arms of East keeper Levi Brown, putting the Cougars up 1-0 within the first ten minutes.

A number of saves from Brown helped the Wildcats stay in the game. Despite dominating time of possession and chances well into the second half, Apex still could not increase its lead.

Then another poor clear from East came to Robert Smith. Again, just outside the box. Smith fired a shot low and to the right that gave Brown no chance.

"I had made a switch to bring someone out and bring someone else forward," said East Chapel Hill coach Austin Collins.

"I was trying to get the tying goal, and once we did that they punished us for it."

Down two goals late in the game, East was unable to find an offensive spark. With 17 minutes remaining, Apex struck a third time with a tap-in by Anthony Miracola after a deflection in the box.

"Once you score that second goal that deflates them," said Todd.