Bluejays score late to avoid upset-minded Bombers

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Fifth-ranked Perry (14-3) will host Iowa Falls-Alden/AGWSR (11-9) Thursday at Dewey Field in a Class 2A Substate 7 Semifinal, which will start at 6 p.m.

Ivan Garcia blistered a free kick from 22 yards out past the keeper to give Perry the only score they would need to fend off a determined Ballard squad, 1-0, in Raccoon River Conference play at Dewey Field Tuesday.

Perry goalie Jorge Soto had two saves in the game but was largely untested thanks to a suffocating defense that thwarted all but a few of Ballard’s best offensive efforts.

Jesus Rodriguez, 18, and Saul Tellez, 19, turn back a Ballard attack.
Jesus Rodriguez, 18, and Saul Tellez, 19, turn back a Ballard attack.

Bomber keeper Alex Silberstein was under attack on numerous occasions, but made an unofficial six saves to keep his team in the game. Perry helped Ballard with a few off-line shots and by being called for offsides violations repeatedly.

The Jays finally caught the break they needed when a foul on a breakaway just outside the 18-yard box set up a free kick in the 75th minute.

Junior forward Garcia lined up the shot and whistled a blast to Silberstein’s right that stretched the onion bag for the only goal of the contest.

Perry improved to 9-2 overall and 5-0 in RRC play while Ballard fell to 4-4, 2-2.

The next action for Perry will be May 11 when DC-G visits Dewey Field, with a critical contest at ADM the following day.

Photos by Jeff Webster.

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