Johnson’s hat trick propels Sikeston to an 8-2 win over Windsor

SIKESTON — Setting the stage for the season, Sikeston Soccer opened its home game schedule with an emphatic 8-2 win over Windsor at the Sports Complex on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

In a remarkable feat, the Bulldogs (3-5) are already on the brink of equaling their entire goal tally from last season, with 26 goals in just eight games, compared to 27 goals in 23 games last year. It was also the first instance since 2015 that the team scored eight or more goals in a single game.

“We haven’t had a player with game-changing speed in years,” said Sikeston coach Gabe Dement. “But this year we have two or three who possess that level of speed. However, their quickness is not the only impressive aspect - they are also intelligent, play smart and trust each other.

Sikeston's Tristan Wiggins (16) and Carter Grimes (19) celebrate a goal�during an 8-2 win over Windsor at the Sports Complex on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“During the offseason, we weren’t aware these players would be joining us yet,” he continued. “Our perspective was focused on the incoming players and our plan was to work hard, strive for wins and lay the foundation for the future. But now, our mindset, as coaches, has shifted. We want to seize the opportunity, aim for district title and create a winning culture right away, bridging the gap to the next generation.”

Sikeston took a 2-1 halftime lead by netting two first-half goals.

The opening goal occurred just 45 seconds into the match, with Jaden Johnson finding the back of the net after receiving a precise assist from Tristan Wiggins.

Sikeston's PJ Farmer (4) hits a header�during an 8-2 win over Windsor at the Sports Complex on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“it set the tone,” Dement said.

Less than five minutes later, Johnson displayed his skills again by outmaneuvering a defender near the left side of the goal box. Johnson delivered a well-placed cross to the backside, where PJ Farmer, seemingly appeared out of nowhere, leaped and executed a powerful header to secure the goal.

“My message at halftime was that we had to start the second half with much more passion, effort and heart, and I think you saw that with how we played,” Dement said.

Sikeston's Tristan Wiggins (16) scores�during an 8-2 win over Windsor at the Sports Complex on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

In the second half, the Bulldogs extended the lead with a goal resulting from a free kick taken by Carter Grimes.

Grimes delivered the ball from the backside, and Wiggins managed to connect with it, although the exact sequence of events was unclear.

“We’re going to have to look at this again on film to see exactly what happened,” Dement said. “[Wiggins] wasn’t sure if he scored or if [Grimes] put it in first.”

Sikeston's Gunner Hopkins (14) shoots�during an 8-2 win over Windsor at the Sports Complex on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The following goal came from Johnson, who converted another penalty kick, increasing the score to 4-1 with 26 minutes and 41 seconds remaining in the game.

For the subsequent goal, Bryton Singer won possession on the outside and delivered a cross that deflected off the crossbar. Johnson was in the right place at the right time to finish the chance.

Continuing the scoring spree, Farmer capitalized on a breakaway opportunity, set up by Gunner Hopkins.

Hopkins, playing as an attacking midfielder, found Wiggins, who then located Hopkins on the run.

Taking advantage of a slipping defender, Hopkins confidently slotted the ball into the corner of the net.

With a little more than 10 minutes remaining, Wiggins sealed the victory by finding the back of the net. Recognizing the defensive wall set up by Windsor, Wiggins astutely decided to curl the ball around the outside of the wall towards the near post.

Executing his plan, he whipped the ball with precision, and although the goalkeeper managed to get a hand on it, the shot ultimately found its way into the net, securing the final goal of the match.

“It was fun seeing the guys have fun,” Dement said. “I was impressed with our ability to pressure the ball, work hard and put that many goals in the net after playing a really tough match against Cape Central last night.

“Our boys were having fun,” Dement concluded. “It’s been a long while since we scored eight goals in a match, and Windsor isn’t a bad team at all. It was fun to see our bench enjoying each other and cheering for their teammates, and seeing different people get on the scorers sheet too.”

Sikeston goalie Barrett Stokes finished with five saves.

Sikeston travels to Carbondale, Illinois for a game with the Terriers (3-3-1) on Thursday, September 14.