Jackson shuts out Sikeston soccer squad

JACKSON -- Sikeston's soccer team was shut out by Jackson on Tuesday, 7-0.

The Bulldogs were outshot 16-9, falling to 2-8-1 on the year. "They're a pretty good team, but I don't believe they are seven goals better than us," said Sikeston coach Derrick Long. "That's the biggest field we've played on all year. They just spread us out and we're not used to playing on a field that size. It's kind of different. I wish we would play on larger fields like that more often, but that's not the reason we lost. We just didn't show up to play tonight."

Jackson scored four goals in the first half and three in the second. Stuart Knowlan had four goals for the Indians, followed by Trent Forester with two and Balraj Dirnberger with one.

"E.C. Atchison controlled the center part of the midfield," explained Long. "They were using the wings more, because he was doing such a good job in the middle. For us, that was one of the bright spots in the game."

Keeper Justin Deere had nine saves. Sikeston will travel to Marion on Thursday for a 4 p.m. match.

In Tuesday's junior varsity match, Jackson defeated Sikeston 3-0. The jayvee Bulldogs fall to 4-3-1 with the loss.