Perry Hall flips Hereford

Perry Hall High’s boys’ soccer knew a victory against Hereford would be huge in its effort to repeat as Baltimore County champions.

Behind an excellent defensive effort, the No. 4 Gators pulled out a 2-0 decision over the 13th ranked Bulls in a Division II match in Parkton.

“Road county wins are tough,” said Perry Hall coach Danny Skelton. “Hereford is a very strong that likes to possess the ball and we knew that if we played our game and kept the ball moving around that we would have good chances.”

The Gators (8-2 overall) gained sole possession of first (3-0) over the Hereford (7-2-2, 2-1-1 Division II). The winner of Divisions I and II will play for the Baltimore County crown 

“This was a big win on the road against Hereford, they are tough team and they were gunning for us,” said Nick Liberto who netted the first goal of the game off of a corner throw from Joe Glos at the 14 minute, 55 second mark of the first half.

“Me and Joe [Glos] have a relationship when it comes to corners,” said Liberto. “I put my hand up and he just finds me, I put my hand up, he got me the ball, and jumped up and just put [the ball] it in the back of the goal.”

Before Liberto’s goal, the Gators had eight shots on goal to Hereford’s two, and possessed the ball for over 26 minutes in the first half.

Hereford attempted to jump start the offense in the second half, but Perry Hall defense was able to rundown the Bulls and keep them in check. The Gators expanded the lead to 2-0 as Kevin Medrano cashed in an assist from Mike Lundy with 19:53 left in the game.

“Personally I think we played very well.” said Hereford head coach Mike Lacko. “We started out a little to cautious, we are usually a more direct team and I think we just slowed it up a bit to much tonight.”

Perry Hall’s defense, led by Timmy Brooks, shutdown the Bulls’ offense. The Gators took away nearly ever breakaway opportunity as the Bulls were able to get clean shots at goal. Perry Hall held Hereford to seven shots on goal as the Gators’ goalkeepers combined for six saves.

“We [Hereford] definitely had our opportunities tonight it’s just that our inexperience at the varsity level for sophomores is really holding us back, but once we hit regional play we pick it up,” said Lacko.

“Our keepers didn’t have to make a lot of saves,” said Skelton. “The back four did a good job out there of keeping their shape and not allowing a goal.”

Perry Hall returns home to battle Pikesville Wednesday. Pikesville handed Perry Hall a 1-0 loss last season. 

“Pikesville was our [Perry Hall] blemish county wise last year and we want to make sure we revenge that loss,” said Skelton.

“It was a tough loss last year and we [Perry Hall] are looking for that revenge,” said Liberto. “At our home field, under the lights, we just want to put it in, score five or six goals and call it a night.”

Despite the setback, Hereford feels confident as they next take on Sparrows Point Monday.

“If we play the way that we played tonight then I think that we should be in good shape,” said Lacko.

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