CENTRAL, JACKSON TO MEET FOR DISTRICT SOCCER TITLE

FESTUS -- As expected, the championship game of the District 1 Tournament for girls high school soccer teams will feature an all-Southeast Missouri flavor.

In Thursday's semifinals, top-seeded Cape Girardeau Central remained undefeated by blanking Poplar Bluff 2-0 while second-seeded Jackson downed host St. Pius 2-1.

The local rivals will square off at 5 p.m. Saturday for the district title and a berth in next Thursday's sectional round.

"It should be a good game," said Central coach Tom Doyle, whose team improved to 17-0 with its 14th shutout win of the season. "We've beaten Jackson three times already this year, but they have a good team.

"Last year we also beat Jackson three times in the regular season, but they beat us in the district final. I'm sure the girls will remember that."

Central broke a way from a scoreless first half by getting two goals from Jennifer Daume in the second half. Emilee Atchley and Kim Aslinger had assists while Amy Harris earned the shutout in goal.

"Poplar Bluff played us tough about a week and a half ago (Central winning 1-0) and it was another tough game," Doyle said.

Jackson improved to 13-4-1 as Jennifer Jones and Julie Wunderlich each scored once, with Jessica Schultz earning an assist.