Bulldogs ‘finally break through’
Perez’s second-half goal ends frustration for Crown Point in 2-0 win against Highland
As Crown Point continued to dominate and create chances without scoring Monday night, senior midfielder Kobe Perez wasn’t overly concerned.
His confidence was rewarded. Perez netted the opening goal in the second half against visiting Highland as the Bulldogs secured a 2-0 victory.
Crown Point (7-3-1) racked up 19 corner kicks, including 14 in the first half, emblematic of its control against the Trojans (5-4-1). The Bulldogs hit the crossbar twice in the first half and another time in the second.
“We had to keep our heads up, and eventually it would work in our favor,” Perez said. “We were just working hard, trying to get a goal. Unfortunately, we had a lot of chances, but we just couldn’t finish. Luckily, we were able to get down the line and finally put one in.”
Perez did the honors with 25-plus minutes left in the game, converting a feed from senior midfielder Omar Garcia.
“Highland’s game plan really had us frustrated that entire game,” Crown Point coach Mike Bazin said. “Man, how many opportunities did we have?
“It was great to have Kobe break through and get that goahead goal. That relieved a lot of the pressure on everyone. It was just good to finally break through, get a win and walk away happy.”
Crown Point added an insurance goal with less than 11 minutes left. Senior defender Sam Plumer’s shot from deep along the right side found the back of the net.
“I told Sam, he’s probably taken two shots in his varsity career, and both of them were (Monday night), and one of the times he scored,” Bazin said.
Highland junior Aerik Tanis made 16 saves, including 11 in the first half.
“Our goalie played great,” said Highland coach Mark Tanis, Aerik’s father. “You’re hoping he can save the day. But you can’t give them too many chances because they’re going to score a few.”
Crown Point senior Jared Hecimovich made two saves, the first with less than 22 minutes left in the game. Sam Brewer made one save after entering with 6:38 left to complete the shutout.
Highland was missing players in the aftermath of its 3-0 Northwest Crossroads Conference loss to Munster on Sept. 16, including versatile standout senior Dane Richardson.
“We had to rally the horses and play some defense,” Mark Tanis said. “We fought hard, but we had to play defense more than we hoped.
“Against a faster, more skilled team like that, you have to start on the defense, stop the passing lanes and try to counterattack. They just got a few, but our guys kept working hard and played a little bit more together because they had to.”
Crown Point, ranked No. 14 in the Class 3A state coaches poll this week, got back on the winning track after a 2-1 Duneland Athletic Conference loss to Valparaiso on Sept. 16. The Vikings entered the poll at No. 15.
“This was a well-needed win after an unfortunate loss,” Perez said. “We’re just going to get back on the training ground and get ready for our next game and the postseason.”