Des Moines North is not a conference opponent, but the Polar Bears appear on the Perry schedule — especially in girls sports — on a regular basis. If Tuesday’s soccer match at Dewey Field is any indication, there is a growing dislike between the two schools.
Perry dominated play after the first 20 minutes and went on to post a 4-1 victory, but play became increasing physical and vocally intense as the second half wound down. Players exchanged several rough, physical plays on the field, but few fouls were called and no cards, either yellow or red, were issued.
The bad blood continued afterward, with players trading jeers as they left Dewey Field, as coaches quickly tried to cool emotions.
Sophomore Molly Lutmer opened the scoring with an unassisted goal in the 19th minute, with Natalie Martinez scoring with only 41 seconds left in the half to push the lead to 2-0.
A Martinez strike seven minutes after the intermission and a second Lutmer goal, in the 63rd minute, capped the Perry scoring.
North was able to avoid the shutout with a goal with roughly one minute left in regulation.
Selena Garcia finished with six saves in goal for the hosts.
Perry had numerous attacking opportunities in the second half, but repeatedly fired directly at the North goalie or shot just wide, miscues which kept the game from turning into a rout.
The Jayette defense frustrated the Polar Bear attack throughout the game, with Magley Orellana, Vivian Gonzalez and Syd Guerra redirecting runners off their line or stepping into the passing lanes to stop charges.
The Perry junior varsity was also victorious Tuesday, with Lexi Welch producing a second-half hat trick as the hosts posted a 3-0 win. Welch scored in the 55th minute, then found the nylon in the 74th and 76th minutes. Jamileth Sarceno assisted on the third Welch goal, with Odaly Perla making three saves between the pipes.
Perry will play in the Newton Tournament Saturday, then face three road games the following week. The team visits Winterset Monday and Bondurant-Farrar Tuesday before traveling to Boone Thursday.
