Jackson wins 2-0 in semifinal game

Law Duncan and Ryan Schlick provided the offense and the Jackson defense stifled Saxony Lutheran as the Indians posted a 2-0 victory in a semifinal match Friday night at Notre Dame's SoccerFest.

Duncan buried the first goal 17 minutes into the opening half on a pass from Schlick to start the scoring for Jackson (2-0).

"That first goal always is a big mental boost for the kids," Jackson coach Zack Walton said. "The quicker you can get that, the quicker you can settle in and play. It puts the other team on their heels. It's a big plus."

The Indians dominated play in the first half, outshooting Saxony Lutheran (2-1) seven to two.

Yet the Crusaders nearly struck 7 minutes into the game, when Taylor Johnson forced a turnover in Jackson territory and broke in on the keeper, but two Jackson defenders stuffed Johnson just before he released his shot.

"We basically just tried to play simple," Walton said. "Move the ball, play good possession and win 50-50 balls. Be patient and play good possession, and I thought they did a nice job of that. That's what kept it on their half most of the time."

From then on, Jackson applied the pressure.

Schlick almost made it 1-0 early, but his shot from the top of the box deflected off a Saxony defender and out of bounds.

"They played with more intensity," Saxony coach Ryan Schweain said. "They kept us on our heels."

Finally Duncan broke through.

"That made us more relaxed," Duncan said. "Putting us ahead always feels good."

"It gets you pumped up," Schlick added. "It gets the whole team going; everybody wants to play after that."

Jackson kept the pressure up, maintaining possession of the ball throughout most of the first half.

Duncan returned the favor to Schlick 15 minutes later when he crossed a pass and Schlick walked it into the goal to make it 2-0.

"We just know each other," Duncan said. "Good stuff happens sometimes."

The second half was much like the first, with Jackson controlling the pace of play.

When Saxony could muster a scoring chance, the Indians' defense was there.

"Those boys in the back stepped up and won a lot of 50-50 balls. That really helps out defensively," Walton said. "They did a nice job of playing possession. I was proud of our backs. They played well."

The Indians now turn their focus to tonight's final.

"We have to make sure we get rested up," Duncan said. "Make sure we're not nervous and get pumped for the game and let the ball do the work."

"It's going to be a good game," Schlick added. "I know that."