Prep Soccer: Comets Girls Looking to Finally Solve Perry Hall

Following Catonsville’s loss in the county championship just two weeks ago, Comets coach James Fitzpatrick—following postgame handshakes—hollered to Perry Hall head coach Rick Testerman, “See you in a couple weeks!”

Fifteen days later, Fitzpatrick and the Comets will get their wish.

Tonight, Catonsville (12-3) will travel to CCBC-Essex for the Class 4A North region championship and the opportunity to advance into the state semifinals. 

The only thing standing in their way is a Perry Hall squad that’s handed the Comets two of their three losses this season—and in somewhat dominating fashion.

In their two prior contests, the Gators (14-3) have outscored Catonsville 8-2, including a 3-0 result in that .

However, Fitzpatrick is working to convince his team that they can shed the disappointment of those past results and focus on this game alone.

“We have to believe we can win and make sure that unbelief does not creep in and have its way,” Fitzpatrick said.

“Perry Hall is undoubtedly the best team we have faced all year and we have yet to beat them.  They are talented and we have to have a better plan to win.  Facing such a talented team is the kind of thing unbelief thrives on.  We have no use for unbelief and we will refuse to let it have an effect on our mindset going into the regional final.”

Although the Comets were shutout in their last meeting, they weren’t without chances to score. Following that game, Fitzpatrick emphasized the need for his squad to “finish” their opportunities. Taking advantage of scoring chances will be an absolute must if Catonsville plans on staying in the game. 

The Comets earned their spot in the region final with a 5-1 quarterfinal win over Blake. They faced a much tougher task in their region semifinal win over Kenwood.

First half goals from Bria Brenner and Alyssa Judson—both on assists from Rachel Woods—put Catonsville ahead 2-0 at the half.

Deb Milani’s goal early in the second period would prove to be huge insurance as the Bluebirds would go on to roar back with two goals over a 16 minute span to cut the score to 3-2. However, the Comets were able to hang on to the lead and advance after a frenetic final few minutes.

Perry Hall defeated Westminster in the region quarterfinals and then topped Dulaney, 2-1, in overtime, to set up the teams’ third and final meeting of the season.

Said Fitzpatrick, “If we are mentally prepared and deny unbelief the opportunity to have an effect on us, we think we can win.”