Jesus Rodriguez scored off an Anthony Velasco assist early in the first half Monday, and the Perry defense made the goal stand up as the hosts claimed a 1-0 non-conference win over Des Moines East at Dewey Field.
Perry was coming off a pair of lopsided losses Saturday, with Urbandale a 6-2 winner over the Jays before Dowling Catholic claimed a 3-0 victory. Both are top 10 teams in at least one poll in Class 3A; Perry competes in Class 2A in both boys and girls soccer.
Elmer Garcia and Moses Tellez had Perry’s goals against the Jayhawks, with Bryan Catalan and Alvaro Soto providing assists.
Rodriguez’s goal Monday was all Perry needed, as goalie Anthony Aragon and a stingy group of Bluejay defenders thwarted any serious attacks on goal.
The Bluejays appeared to have taken a 2-0 lead halfway through the first half, but the goal was disallowed on a close offsides call.
Perry will resume action Friday with a visit from Grinnell.
