Sikeston gets revenge with a 2-0 win at Carbondale

CARBONDALE, Ill. — In a dog-eat-dog battle, the Sikeston soccer team asserted its dominance, leaving Cardonale (Ill.) chasing its tails.

The Bulldogs (4-5-0) won their second consecutive match with a 2-0 at the Terriers’ (3-4-1) home field on Thursday, September 14.

“We knew it would be a dog fight,” said Sikeston coach Gabe Dement.

Carbondale aimed to establish an early lead just 20 seconds into the match. The Terriers launched a rapid offensive, culminating in a shot from 10 yards out. However, Sikeston goalkeeper, Barrett Stokes, displayed his composure, denying the shot with a clean and confident effort.

“Barrett set the tone for a great game,” Dement said.”Along with defenders Chris Artis, Levi Douglass, Rush Ault, Connor Wicker and Jackson Couch.”

Stokes finished the game with 11 saves.

Carbondale’s defense was equally strong during key moments throughout the match.

But with 25 minutes and 38 seconds remaining in the first half, Sikeston’s breakthrough goal originated from an impressive defensive play. It all started when Connor Wicker, positioned on the left side of the field, executed a challenge to win back possession.

The ball then found its way to the feet of Jaden Johnson, a talented, agile and crafty freshman. Johnson unleashed a skillfully placed shot on target, forcing a save by Carbondale’s keeper.

However, the shot proved too challenging to handle, resulting in a rebound by PJ Farmer, demonstrating sharp instincts, eagerly seized upon and swiftly converted into a goal.

Despite missing the team’s first three games of the season, Farmer takes the lead as the Bulldogs’ top scorer this season with seven goals. Johnson and Tristan Wiggins each have six goals.

Sikeston maintained the lead at the half despite several chances from both sides.

“At halftime, we knew it was a matter of if we wanted to continue to push through with a strong team effort despite it being our 3rd game in 3 days,” Dement said. “The boys responded well.”

With 22:35 left in the game, Sikeston earned a corner kick, presenting a promising opportunity.

Wiggins used precision to put it in a dangerous spot near the post. In a frantic attempt to clear the ball, Carbondale unintentionally deflected it into its net.

Following the pivotal moment, the Terriers responded with a surge of energy, determined to mount a late-game comeback.

“Our defense stood tall as they cleared chance after chance and hung on for the win,” Dement said. “This is our first team shutout and our midfielders and forwards seemed to want it as much as the defenders as they joined in the effort in the closing minutes.”

The win was especially notable as it came against a team that had previously defeated the Bulldogs 5-1 earlier this season.

Up next, Sikeston will travel to Graves County (Kentucky) on Saturday, September 16.