Gators respond against Dulaney

Perry Hall boys’ soccer team has played its best games this season with the stakes high. The bad news is the No. 2 Gators haven’t played with the same tenacity in other matches, evident by two home losses in the season’s first month.

Playing against an up-and-coming Dulaney squad looking to serve notice in the Baltimore County ranks, Perry Hall again rose to the challenge, winning 1-0, Saturday morning in Timonium in a non-divisional match. Senior center back Nick Liberto’s goal in the 33^rd minute was the game’s only score.

For the defending Baltimore County champs, it was a huge rebound from a home loss to unranked Bel Air Monday evening. The Gators (4-2) opened their season with a home loss to then-unranked Reservoir (now ranked No. 10) only to follow with victories over MIAA A Conference powers Archbishop Curley and then-No. 2 McDonogh School.

“We have a bi-polar personality,” said Perry Hall coach Danny Skelton. “We played with something to prove against the likes of a Curley or McDonogh because we’re perceived as the underdog.”

“We make too many mental errors and it comes back to bite us,” said Liberto, a tri-captain. “We let teams get chances and they put them away. Today, we defended well andjust put one in.”

Off a corner kick from Kevin Medrano, Liberto header was knocked down by Dulaney (2-1-1) goalie Ryan Deuber. Liberto was able to get his foot on the loose ball and send it back into the net.

“The keeper made a great save,” said Liberto, “it came back down, bounced, and I followed it in.”

“We had a lot of chances but we made the one count,” said Skelton. “We knew Dulaney was big, fast, strong and physical. I’m pleased that were able to match their physicality.”

The Gators were able to handle Dulaney’s pressure in the second half as freshman Austin Kroll came out of goal for a kick save in the 52^nd minute. The Lions’ best opportunity came in the 67^th minute, but Oneall Mogliazzi’s shot caromed off left post.

“I thought we had better of the play in the second half, unfortunately, we needed a little bit of luck,” said Lions coach Jerry Tana, who commended Teddy Applegate for his defense against UMBC-bound Perry Hall standout Joe Glos. “I was very impressed with how we played. We have a lot of respect for Perry Hall’s program.”

The Lions travel to Towson Wednesday afternoon to renew its longtime rivalry. Perry Hall hosts Parkville in another non-divisional match.

“We have to start playing more consistent not just for big games,” said Skelton. “We’ve got to play with a chip on our shoulders.”

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