Ashenafi Hatte and his St. Paul Washington Technology Magnet School team did not let the past impact the present.

The senior attacker scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime, as the Eagles rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat rival St. Paul Como Park 3-2 in a St. Paul City Conference matchup Wednesday night at St. Paul Como Park High School

St. Paul Washington’s victory is the first in the school’s history against the Cougars (6-2-1), the defending state Class 1A champion, and gives the Eagles, No. 8 in the Minnesota High School Soccer Coaching Association's Class 1A poll, a 7-1-1 record on the season.

Hatte, who is one of the team’s three captains, said he understands the significance of St. Paul Washington’s accomplishments.

“It’s a big thing for us,” Hatte added. “We didn’t give up and we scored three goals. It’s the best game ever for me.”

Hatte’s game was great. He put the Eagles on the scoreboard with a beautiful chip shot past Cougars’ senior goalkeeper John Wenger early in the second half, helping erase St. Paul Como Park’s 2-0 halftime lead.

St. Paul Washington senior attacker Aung Aung scored the game-tying goal off a excellent throw-in from junior midfielder Dima Iresso three minutes later.

The teams battled for the rest of the second half but neither could score, sending the game to overtime where Hatte gave the Eagles’ the lead less than two minutes into the first extra session with an 18-yard strike from the right side of the penalty box.

Hatte’s coach wasn’t surprised the senior played a key role in the victory.

“He’s very passionate about the sport,” St. Paul Washington coach Jason Hamilton said. “He’s very talented and gifted. He’s a good leader on our team and a fabulous kid.”

The Eagles’ “never give up” attitude was the difference in the game, Hamilton said.

“They proved it today, even the young guys,” Hamilton said. “They never gave up, and so I like that attitude, and it will keep us in every game this season.”

Hatte knows a lot about persistence. He is a member of St. Paul Washington’s cross country team, and his ability help the Eagles overcome their history in the rivalry with the Cougars made Hamilton deeply satisfied.

“I’m very proud of what they did here tonight,” he said.

Hamilton is also happy with Hatte.

“He’s a pleasure to have on the team,” he said.

Senior attacker Ashenafi Hatte scored two goals, including the game-winner in the first session of overtime, as St. Paul Washington Technology Magnet School rallies to push past St. Paul Como Park 3-2 and defeat its St. Paul City Conference rival for the first time in the school's history on Wednesday night at Como Park High School.

Senior attacker Aung Aung also scored for Eagles (7-1-1), No. 8 in the Minnesota High School Soccer Coaching Association's Class1A rankings, while senior forwards Nga Reh and Will Kidd each had a goal for the Cougars (6-2-1).

Spotlight Game Coverage