Palmer boys blank Knights

PALMER -- The Palmer Moose scored a pivotal Region III win with a 2-0 shutout over cross-town rival Colony at Colony High School on Tuesday.

The Moose needed just a score in each half to get past the region champs.

Colony head coach Jeremy Johnson had a fairly simple explanation of what separated the teams.

"Hustle," Johnson said. "The difference was winning the 50-50 balls.

"Felt like we lost control."

Palmer head coach Don Berberich attributes teamwork to Palmer's success.

"It was a sweet win," Berberich said. "Selfless team work.

"When one guy gets beat, another is right there."

Colony was able to get shots on goal throughout the contest, but the Knights were never able to completely control the momentum of the game. The Moose settled into their style and were able to gain control of the play.

"We did not get pulled into their game," Berberich said. "When one team boots the ball often, it is so easy to want to boot the ball back."

Ben Beetch gave Palmer a 1-0 lead early in the contest. The freshman was able to boot the ball in the Colony net amid a host of Palmer and Colony players.

The score was Beetch's fourth of the season.

Senior Dustin Dubois gave Palmer a 2-0 lead. Dubois took a pass from the right side of the field late in the second half and put the ball into the left corner of the Colony net.

"Dubois will play anywhere," Berberich said. "He likes center midfield and he is a good leader from that position. In a pinch like tonight he plays the sweeper. No questions asked."

Freshman Trenton Berberich registered his first career shutout in the win.

The contest proved to be physical. In addition to numerous penalties by both teams, the Moose had one significant injury. Berberich believed that Palmer sophomore sweeper Daniel Brown suffered a broken jaw in a collision prior to the end of the first half.

Palmer improved to 3-1 win the win. Colony dropped to 2-2-1 with the loss.