District championship eludes Jackson girls soccer team

The Jackson girls soccer team created the majority of the top scoring opportunities.

But Northwest made its only real chance count, and the Lions' defense did the rest.

Third-seeded Northwest scored off a corner kick late in the first half and upset the host Indians 1-0 in Wednesday's Class 3 District 1 final.

"It feels amazing," said Northwest freshman Breanna Sharp, who scored the Lions' goal. "Everybody played their hearts out. We just didn't give up."

Northwest, which is just 8-11, will advance to next week's sectional round after winning its second consecutive district championship.

Jackson's Jordan Myer kicks the ball away from Northwest's Ashley Mess during the second half of the Class 3 District 1 championship game Wednesday in Jackson. (Fred Lynch)

"We're the first Northwest soccer team, boys or girls, to win back-to-back district titles," Northwest coach Stacey Gottman said. "That was a big motivation for us. I knew we had one advantage. My girls knew what it felt like last year."

Gottman said the Lions' record is misleading because the St. Louis area squad faces strong competition on a regular basis.

"We play one of the toughest schedules around," Gottman said. "I felt like we had just as good a shot as everybody else."

The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Jackson (13-8), which had its string of nine consecutive district championships snapped in the semifinals last year.

But Jackson co-coach Justin McMullen had few complaints other than the final result.

Jackson's Rachel Crites heads the ball away from Northwest's Kylee Hamilton during the second half Wednesday in Jackson.

"I felt like we were just unfortunate as far as scoring goals," McMullen said. "I felt we controlled the game. I'm proud of my girls' effort."

A fairly even first half, during which Jackson created some decent chances but never put a good shot on goal, turned in Northwest's favor late.

Senior Jordyn Jeck's perfect corner kick was headed into the net by Sharp with just less than nine minutes remaining.

"It was a really nice goal by them. That's part of it," McMullen said. "They capitalized on their one opportunity. Hat's off to them."

Sharp said Jeck's delivery made it easy for her to deliver.

"It was an amazing kick. I just got my head on it," Sharp said. "It felt so good. I couldn't stop smiling."

Jackson, which played with a stiff wind at its back in the second half, dominated the final 40 minutes and came close to scoring several times.

The Indians' best chance came early in the second half when consecutive point-blank shots from within a few yards were stopped by senior keeper Alyssa Arnold, a three-sport star who has signed to play volleyball at Rockhurst University.

"She's started for us since her freshman year," Gottman said. "She's tough. I really think she's one of the best in the [St. Louis] area."

Jackson continued to apply pressure but could not get a ball past Arnold.

The Indians' final dangerous threat came with about seven minutes left when senior Erin Eakens sent a corner kick into the box. The ball bounced around for a few seconds before Northwest was able to clear.

"Jackson has a very good team," Gottman said. "One goal ... it's still anybody's game."

McMullen believes the Indians, whose roster featured just two seniors, will make a strong run at reclaiming district supremacy next year.

"Not winning the district two years in a row, I think the kids we have coming back will be even hungrier," he said.