Soccer to the Finals: Jays Pluck the Panthers, 1-0
Senior midfielder Ashton Perkins struck again, and the Blue Jays advance to the finals.
The Jesuit High School (JHS) soccer team fought valiantly to a 1-0 verdict over a determined Northshore High School (NHS) Panthers squad Saturday night in the LHSAA State Semifinals at John Ryan Stadium. It was the first soccer semifinal game played at John Ryan.
Perkins, who scored the Jays’ first go-ahead goal in the thrilling 4-3 quarterfinal win over Dutchtown, found the net again to score the go-ahead goal in the semifinals, which eventually became the only goal of the game. Against Dutchtown, it was Perkins’s head. Against Northshore, it was his left foot that saved the day.
The Blue Jays will play the state finals against the same team on the same turf as they did last season.
Yes, indeed. Another Louisiana El Clásico state final between Jesuit and St. Paul’s is upon us. The final will be played this Saturday, 7 p.m., at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns Soccer Field.
Through the Lens…
View the Photo Gallery from the Jesuit-Northshore Soccer Semifinal!
By the Numbers…
Team Totals | Goals (Assists) |
Shots: 6 Shots on Goal: 3 Saves (Jacob Randolph): 5 Corners: 8 Yellow Cards (Jesuit): 1 Yellow Cards (Northshore): 0 |
60’ Ashton Perkins (WATCH) |
View the 2019 LHSAA Boys’ Soccer Playoff Bracket for Division I.
Read More…
TheAdvocate.com | Jesuit holds off Northshore in tight boys soccer semifinal
Galleries
Soccer Playoffs, Semifinals, Jesuit (1) vs. Northshore (0), John Ryan Stadium, Feb. 16, 2019
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Players stand in front of...
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...home crowd for the national anthem.
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The Gizzard, Jesuit's student section, watches from the grandstand as Jesuit's first shot sails over the goal.
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Gabe Gordon throws the ball in.
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Gabe Sims and Arthur Ross find their position during a cross.
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Ross finds open space in midfield.
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Chris Tadros clears the ball with his head.
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Waiting for the whistle to be subbed in, Sebi Maraldo watches the on-field action.
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After chesting the ball, Jacob Torres finds his footing.
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Kai McCurley advances the ball, initiating an attack.
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Recently promoted to the varsity roster, freshman Matthew Busenlener passes the Northshore defender to gain possession.
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Maraldo and Sims goes up for a header during a corner kick, but the kick flies just over their heads.
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Ashton Perkins (far right) notices the keeper moving toward the near post.
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Ashton Perkins delivers a shot far post with his left foot, and it's a...
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...GOAL!
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Perkins celebrates.
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Another Jesuit attack finds the ball at the feet of Jacob Torres.
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Maxx Hanemann clears it with a strong header.
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Goalkeeper Jacob Randolph makes two clutch saves in the final minutes of the game. Here, Randolph punches the ball out of harm's way.
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Moments later, Randolph keeps his eye on the incoming shot.
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Despite the shot's power, Randolph keeps his cool and holds on to it.
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Hanemann reacts to the final whistle in the same way that...
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...Perkins reacts to the victory.
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Players show their love for the student section.
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The game's star players share a victory laugh as they walk to the team huddle.
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Leading the team in a closing prayer is Jesuit president Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J.
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Interviewing goal-scorer Ashton Perkins are two Blue Jay alumni Les East '78, Advocate sports writer (middle), and...
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...Andrew Valenti '04, NOLA.com sports writer.