It wasn’t easy and Perry knew it wouldn’t be. The Bluejays moved one step closer to the school’s third consecutive state appearance after they handled South Tama County 2-0 in a 2A sub state semifinal. Ivan Garcia broke a scoreless tie at the 40th minute in the second half by scoring an unassisted goal. Jesus Rodriguez later added a second goal at the 76th minute on an assist from Garcia to give Perry a 2-0 win.
“We knew this was going to be a tough game,” said Head Coach Gary Overla. “They were a state tournament team last year. Our kids are ready for Saturday. I’m sure they wish we were playing the game tonight.”
Perry sophomore German Alvarenga told Raccoon Valley Radio Sports that his team never panicked despite being frustrated with a scoreless first half.
“We were pretty frustrated at halftime,” smiled Alvarenga. “We were getting some pretty quality chances but just couldn’t finish anything off. So we kept putting on the pressure and doing what we do best and that is getting the ball downfield and setting up opportunities with precise passing. Ivan scored the first goal and we turned it into high gear after that.”
Perry will need that high gear once again if they are to qualify for the state tournament. The Bluejays will travel to Hudson near Waterloo Saturday for the 2A sub state final with Hudson. The winner marches into the state soccer tournament.