Jackson soccer edges Clayton 3-2, continues winning streak

The Jackson Indians improved to 13-1 after defeating the Clayton Greyhounds 3-2 on Saturday in Jackson, Mo.

Sophomore Dylan Strothmann kicked the deciding goal from 25 yards out to push the Indians to victory.

"I was at the right place at the right time," Strothman said. "My teammates found me and I just put it in the back of the net."

The Indians took the initial lead after 10 scoreless minutes on a Brayden Koeller goal assisted by Kayden Crooks. Blake Cain scored the Indians' second goal of the game after an assist from DJ Cowart.

Jackson Trenton Schorey attempts to steal the ball from a Clayton defender on Saturday, Oct. 7 in Jackson, Mo. Jacob Blassingame ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian

Clayton made the game competitive throughout. The Greyhounds answered minutes later with a goal of their own to tie the match 1-1 at halftime. They then converted on a penalty kick to keep the game within a goal with 15 minutes remaining.

Jackson has now won eight straight games since dropping a home match to Lindbergh on Sept. 18. The Indians now have as many wins this season as losses last season. With six games to go in the regular season, Jackson has the opportunity to match their win total from the 2020 and 2021 seasons (19) that ended with an appearance in the state championship game.

Jackson continues to allow only 1.5-1.7 goals per game this season but their scoring average of 3.6 is their highest since the 2016 Indians, who averaged 5 goals per game. The last time the Indians scored over three goals per game was during their state championship-winning 2020 season.

The Indians return to the pitch Tuesday at home, hosting the Oakville Tigers. Strothmann said the Indians' goals are to take it "one game at a time" and to "finish the season strong".

Jackson junior Aiden McMinn battles for the ball against Clayton on Saturday, Oct. 7 in Jackson, Mo. Jacob Blassingame ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian