Sikeston hangs tough with defending state champions

SIKESTON -- Sikeston's soccer team gave defending state champion Notre Dame another strong match on Tuesday, but lost 2-0.

After allowing both goals in the first half, the Bulldogs clamped down on the defensive end, limiting Notre Dame to just four shots on goal in the second half.

"I thought it was a pretty good game," said Sikeston coach Derrick Long. "We seemed to be pretty even with them today. We've just got to find a way to score on those guys. The last time they held us to one goal and this time they shut us out. Hopefully in the district, we will come up with somethin

g to get (J.R.) Bizzell and Blake (Taylor) some more runs."

Wade Cramer scored Notre Dame's first goal at 23 minutes, off an assist from Jacob Defek. David Kiblinger scored their second goal on a penalty kick at 37 minutes.

"They scored two in the first half," explained Long. "One was on a penalty kick and the other was on some miscommunication in the backfield. My keeper and a defender weren't talking back there, and (Notre Dame) got an easy goal. We can't have little mistakes like that against really good teams. Without the mental breakdowns, I thought we played pretty well."

Sikeston finished with 14 shots on goal and keeper Jason Deere made 16 saves. Notre Dame had 19 shots and keeper Colin Ulrich made 13 saves in the shutout.

"We had more shots than they did in the second half," said Long. "We controlled the game in the second half. Against these better teams, we have trouble putting two good halves together. That's something we're trying to work on."

It doesn't get any easier for the soccer team as Sikeston (6-8-1) travels to Cape Central today to face the undefeated Tigers.

"It's a tough test," said Long. "I think they're 14-0 now. We're going to try to be the first team that beats them."

Tuesday's junior varsity game ended in a 2-2 tie. Chris Matthews scored Sikeston's first goal on a Cody Black assist. Kyle Howard scored the Bulldogs' other goal, off an assist from Trey Stone.

Sikeston (5-3-4) had 14 shots and seven saves while Notre Dame had nine shots and 12 saves.