The duo of Luis Bernasconi (left) and Bash Kamara got Patterson off right Monday afternoon. Bernasconi had two goals and Kamara contributed a goal and two assists in a 3-1 victory over defending Baltimore City champ Poly.
More Photos
View All


By Derek Toney
Senior Content Editor, Baltimore Metro

** Look below the story to find a video player filled with interviews and game highlights!

The arrival of Bash Kamara has Patterson High in the Baltimore City boys’ soccer championship conversation. But it was the return of a familiar face that helped the Clippers in their season debut Monday afternoon.

Luis Bernansconi scored two goals as Patterson defeated Poly, 3-1. Kamara added a goal and two assists in his first game, and Will Lemus and Bernasconi each had an assist.

After falling behind, Patterson did the rest of the scoring to gain the early advantage in the city title race. The Engineers dethroned the Kane Street school as titlists last fall.

“It’s kind of disappointing that someone has to lose that first game because Patterson-Poly has been the best rivalry in the city in terms of boys’ soccer,” said Patterson Coach Harry Martin. “It’s a big win for us. It’s a big difference starting 1-0 instead of 0-1.”

Added Kamara: “I know it’s a long rivalry, so it felt good to get the first win. We needed it more.”

Fighting some nerves, Kamara had a solid debut with a part in all three scores Monday. Kamara transferred from Archbishop Curley,
where he helped the Friars to the MIAA A Conference title game and had 25 goals and eight assists.

After a tumultuous sophomore year off the field, Kamara is excited about starting anew at Patterson.

“Everyone’s asking me where I’m at,” said Kamara, a junior forward. “I’m at Patterson and I’m here to stay. I wanted to help my school win a state championship.”

While Kamara was helping to lead Curley to the brink of a title in the one of the nation’s premier leagues last fall, Bernasconi was on the Patterson’s sidelines. After leading the city league in scoring as a sophomore two seasons ago, he was academically ineligible in 2007.

“It was disappointing not having him,” Martin said. “His leadership was missed. We have a very diverse team with different nationalities and he’s a good leader for our Latinos and Hispanics.”

Bernasconi got Patterson’s first goal of the fall in the 12th minute of the first half, taking a pass from Kamara and getting behind the Poly’s defense. Two minutes into the second half, Kamara found some room from about five yards and tapped a shot wide right of Poly goalie Kenny Andoll (eight saves).

Bernasconi sent a low shot from about 10 yards away, extending the Clippers’ lead at the 25-minute mark. With Bernasconi back in the fold along with Kamara gives Patterson a potentially explosive offense.

“I’m happy he’s back on the team,” Kamara said. “He scored two beautiful goals, and I’m looking forward to seeing more.”

Joe Mirabile put the Engineers up 1-0 in the 23rd minute of the first half against their bitter rival, but the Cold Spring Lane school wasn’t able to maintain its emotional level. Poly Coach Nicholas Greer thought his team wore down.

“We’re still a work in progress,” said Greer, who commended Mirabile, N’Fagi Kabba and sweeper Nick Halkias. “You have to be a 9-10 to beat Patterson. Right now, we're a 7.”

Email: dtoney@digitalsports.com

Patterson 3, Poly 1
Goals: Patterson-Bernansconi 2, Kamara; Poly-Mirabile. Assists: Patterson-Kamara, Bernasconi, Lemus; Poly-Steinersoul. Saves: Patterson-Webb 6; Poly-Andoll 8.

Patterson    1 2-3
Poly             1 0-1