Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge's Ayden Hernandez goes for a header earlier this week at Rogers Park.

The Fort Dodge boys soccer team had a breakthrough on the pitch Friday night.

The Dodgers (1-3 overall) picked up their first victory of the season in convincing fashion, dominating Waterloo East by a final of 5-1.

This was the home opener for the Dodgers, who faced Sioux City East at Rogers Park earlier this week.

“This was a great one for the guys to get,” said FDSH head coach Joe Jackson. “They proved to themselves that they could score, and we were able to move the ball down the field with confidence.

“We played defense well at times, but got a little loose. This was a big confidence-builder.”

Senior Ismael Perez had a big day for the Dodgers, scoring two goals. Senior Raily Merida-Samayoa assisted on one.

Merida-Samayoa also tallied a goal. Junior Erickson Morales Garcia and freshman Madden Bailey hit the back of the net as well.

Senior goalkeeper Michael Wagner recorded eight saves.

“We really got our offense going,” Jackson said. “We had 13 corners, and that meant we were moving the ball into space.

“We challenged them to have 10 crosses into the box, and we were doing that and more.”

The Dodgers are back in action on Tuesday at Des Moines East. Start time is set for 6 p.m.