Perryville soccer coach Jerry Fulton called it a “redemption game.”
Perryville and St. Pius met for the second straight season in the Class 2, District 1 title game. St. Pius defeated Perryville 1-0 last season, after Perryville beat St. Pius in the regular season.
This year it was time for sweet revenge and some redemption.
Perryville was able to achieve both in 2024.
The Pirate defense was top notch and they had just enough offense to come away with a 2-0 victory over St. Pius in the Class 2, District 1 championship on May 15 at Bayless.
The title was the third for Perryville in the last four seasons.
“We came up with a gameplan and the girls executed it flawlessly,” Fulton said.
Fulton said that St. Pius is very aggressive in the offensive zone, frequently sending some defenders up to keep possession.
“We wanted to make sure we kept everything in front of us,” he said. “all four of our defensive backs and goalie played exceptionally well. They followed the plan to the letter.”
Perryville got a goal from Ava Ernst in the first half and took that lead into halftime.
“We created several opportunities and missed a few chances that should have went in,” Fulton said. “However, I am tickled to death with how we played. Although you always want more, especially when you’re up just one.”
Perryville got that coveted insurance goal with 15 minutes left off the foot of Maysa Schnidler, in perhaps the craziest way possible. A St. Pius defender tripped over the goalkeeper and caused both of them to fall down. The Lancer goalkeeper laid on the ground for several seconds in an attempt for the ref to halt the action.
However, no call was called and Perryville eventually kicked the ball into the back of the net for the clinching goal.
“We never stopped,” Fulton said. “It’s a testament for our girls.”
Perryville has been playing some of the best all season leading up to the district title win. The Pirates have won 11 of the last 12 games.
“I think we are playing so much better than we did at the beginning of the season,” Fulton said. “It’s so rewarding when you train and they buy in to what you’re telling them and are successful.
Perryville (16-6) will play Whitfield (12-3) on May 25. Whitfield dominated much of the Class 2, District 3 tournament defeating Duchesne 5-0 in the title game and outscoring opponents 15-0.
“They will be a tough matchup for us,” Fulton said. “However, I have great confidence in the girls that if we keep playing like we have been, we should have a great chance to keep playing.”
