Boys soccer: Another shutout for PHS

PALMER - Another game, another shutout.

With a 3-0 win over Kenai at Machetanz Field on Saturday, the Palmer boys soccer squad notched its fourth consecutive shutout. The Moose have yet to allow a goal this season.

&#8220We're playing solid right now. Our defense is playing awesome,” Palmer senior Ben Beetch said.

On the offensive end, the Moose scored three first-period goals. On the defensive side of the field, Palmer made it hard for Kenai to even scrounge decent scoring opportunities.

&#8220We've got speed and size in the back, and we've got an awesome goalie,” Beetch said.

Palmer's keeper, Trent Berberich, posted his fourth shutout of the season. His twin brother Jared, led the Moose defense from the sweeper position.

&#8220Trent had to make two pretty big saves in the first half, but Jared did a really nice job of sweeping up most that came through,” Palmer head coach Tom Harrison said.

Senior Devon Conroy scored a pair of goals, and sophomore Will Ott posted his first score of the season.

Hard and steady rains did not seem to slow down a fast and skilled attack, led by Conroy.

&#8220It seems like his game was about the same as it always is - pretty solid,” Harrison said.

The senior, who has already scored seven goals this season, scored twice during a nine-minute span in the first half. Conroy and Ott both posted goals during the 31st minute of the game.

Harrison said Conroy also did a good job of distributing the ball to Palmer's other skill players.

&#8220We've got 10 other guys, plus subs, that are playing at a pretty high level right now,” Harrison said. &#8220That compliments him well.”

Midway through the first period, Beetch took the ball from his position at the center of the field, and moved it up to Conroy. Speeding toward the goal, Conroy put a quick kick past Kenai keeper Justin Wisnieswski to give the Moose a 1-0 lead.

In the 31st minute, junior Jerry Melin dropped a pass back to Ott, who moved past a sliding Wisnieswski before putting the ball in the net. Conroy added his second goal in that same minute.

&#8220We had more dangerous balls put through the attack then I think I've seen yet (this season),” Harrison said. &#8220We obviously didn't post huge numbers on the scoreboard. But I think there was some nice ball movement up top.”

On Friday, Conroy notched a hat trick in a 5-0 win over Soldotna. Nick Gremley and Peter Burton also scored.

Contact sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at 352-2273, or sports@frontiersman.com.