From Staff Reports
Perry High’s boys soccer club made its annual trip to the Mary Persons High Bulldog Cup tournament in Forsyth and came out with the championship against a familiar foe.
The Panthers avenged last season’s finals loss to Upson-Lee by knocking off the Knights in Saturday’s final 3-1. It was Perry’s second match of the day as Sam Said’s club defeated Pike County 3-0.
According to Said, Perry went into the first game of the Bulldog Cup not knowing what to expect from their opponent. He said Meadowcreek High was a late addition to the tournament and the Panthers were starting their backup goalkeeper.
“It was with little surprise that we found themselves in a 1-0 deficit at the midpoint of the Thursday match-up,” said Said. “We were hesitant, making it easy for a talented Meadowcreek team to find space and possess the ball for much of the first half.
“The second half was a different story, however, as we took the field with the physicality and determination we lacked in the first 40 minutes.”
The Panthers came back to win 2-1 as midfielder Spencer Freeman and forward Karl Chester teamed up with Mattie Hall on the wing to help produce Perry’s two goals. Tyler Griger and Dillon Schwartz both sent diving headers into the net.
“The Mustangs continued to press and managed several good attacks in the second half but had trouble finishing their opportunities,” said Said. “Backup goalkeeper Carl Killingsworth put on a good performance and the defense held strong for the final 15 minutes.”
Perry’s intensity carried over into the semifinals against Pike. The Panthers scored about five minutes in and never looking back. Chester had two goals and Hall added a third.
“The defense, led by Greg Turner, Drew Whitehead and Wesley Lassiter, held the Pirates in check for most of the match and goalkeeper Ian Struckmeyer returned from injury to save all of his chances,” said Said.
Against Upson-Lee, Chester scored two first half goals which would be the difference.
The coach said Upson-Lee was far from done and played strong in the second half. Hall, however, scored on a shot about 25 yards away and over the keeper’s head.
The Knights earned a penalty kick on a handball foul. Struckmeyer was able to stop the strike with a dive to his left, but the Panthers saw the chance for a shutout end a few minutes later.
“Strong play for the Panthers also came from Freeman and Griger in the midfield, wingers Dominique Newberry and Angel Manzano, and forwards Diego Hernandez and Mitchell Freeman,” said Said.
This marked the fourth consecutive year that Perry has played in the championship of the Bulldog Invitational.
The Panthers won in 2008 over then ranked Ola High School.
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