Notre Dame handles Jackson 2-0

JACKSON, Mo. -- Scott Wittenborn, Notre Dame's career goal-scoring leader, netted two more to account for all the offense in a 2-0 win over Jackson on Thursday.

After a scoreless first half, Notre Dame (13-2-2) broke through 14 minutes after the intermission.

Wittenborn scored on a rebound after Shane Kistner's shot deflected off Jackson goalie Austin McDowell.

"He (Scott Wittenborn) has the ability to rise to the occasion when there is a chance to score," said Scott's dad and Notre Dame coach Brad Wittenborn. "I guess that's why he's our career leader."

Wittenborn's second goal came with 14 minutes left in the contest off a pass from Matt Pobst. Wittenborn laid out in midair and threaded the ball through a narrow crack in the Indian defense with a left-footed kick to put the match out of reach.

Jackson (8-8) had fewer scoring opportunities than the Bulldogs, but was unable to do any damage on a couple of good chances.

"I thought our boys played good," said Jackson coach Zack Walton, "but when you play a team like Notre Dame, you can't just play good and expect to win."

A key play by Notre Dame defender Nathan LeGrand single-handedly spoiled one Indian opportunity to score the tying goal with Bulldogs up 1-0. LeGrand foiled a break-away when he caught Jackson forward Matt Gordon from behind, made the tackle and knocked the ball away.

"That was the play of the game," said a smiling (Brad) Wittenborn. "(Jackson) had a couple that made your heart stop for a second."

Bulldog goalie Travis Siebert got the shutout.

Walton, on his team's woes, said, "We have to get back to basics before we go into districts. And we need a big win to give us a boost; good things will happen after that."

Notre Dame, on the other hand, is playing well right now.

"We've got some good athletes and we're making plays at the right time," said (Brad) Wittenborn. "We've got a big test this weekend and we look forward to that."

The Bulldogs meet Springfield Glendale, a ranked 4A team, in St. Louis on Saturday.

Notre Dame and Jackson played to a 1-1 deadlock in the JV match. Bryce Willen scored for Notre Dame and Tyler Beussink had the Jackson goal.