Perry Completes Comeback With Late Goal, Nauset Edges D-Y

NORTH EASTHAM – Omari Perry created plenty of scoring chances. It was only a matter of time before the junior capitalized. 

 Perry assisted on a game-tying goal by freshman Sawyer Harold before netting the game-winning goal with 6:16 remaining to help Nauset stay unbeaten with a 2-1 victory over Cape and Islands League rival Dennis-Yarmouth in Monday night’s matchup of unbeatens.

 “It feels great because it keeps us on top [of the league],” said Perry, an Eastham resident. “We need to keep going and keep that fight.”

Despite Nauset creating more scoring opportunities during the first half, it was D-Y (6-1-3) that opened the scoring after senior Adam Davenport scored on a free kick from 30 yards out with 16:44 remaining. 

The goal sparked the Warriors (7-0-2), who answered with the equalizer just 2:40 later. Nauset’s first goal came on a set piece off a free kick from 28 yards out as Perry chased down a forward pass into the Dolphins’ 18-yard box and sent a crossing pass to Harold, who was left uncovered in front of the net and tapped in a shot to notch the score at 1-1.

“I said, ‘There’s a reason why we coach,’ to set something up depending on where the ball is,” Nauset coach John McCully said of the play call. “That was a great set piece. We worked on it yesterday, a couple reps, and it worked.”

Perry continued to apply pressure and create scoring chances during the remainder of the half before giving the team a lead with just over six minutes remaining. He was in the right place at the right time for the game-winner, as a loose ball popped free to inside the Dolphins’ box. 

With plenty of space to maneuver, Perry didn’t hesitate before firing a shot past D-Y sophomore goalkeeper John Richard to give the Warriors a crucial 2-1 advantage.

“Omari, I think, is the best player in Eastern Mass.,” McCully said. “They tried to stop him — clawed him, tackled him, hung onto him — and it’s difficult. He’s a very talented player and he’s difficult to stop.”

The outcome was a signature win for Nauset, which has won six straight games after opening its season with a 5-0 win over Sturgis West before tying Cohasset (1-1) and St. John Paul II (0-0) in its next two games. 

Monday’s goal was only the second the Warriors have allowed and the first since the Cohasset draw on Sept. 6. The team has received strong play from its backline, anchored by senior backs Cullen Kavanaugh and Austin Remmey and senior goalkeeper Damian Bebber.

Although the Warriors may be exceeding expectations after graduating the bulk of its starting lineup from last year, the team continues to grow stronger with each victory it earns.

Still, McCully believes his players have more to prove.

“I think getting results is giving them confidence, but we can play a lot better,” the coach said. “We haven’t played our best yet, we really haven’t.”