Sikeston shuts out Blackcats, Notre Dame up next

Wednesday, November 2, 2005
Sikeston's Chris Carnell ties to get a Fredericktown defender.

CAPE GIRARDEAU - The Sikeston Bulldogs boys soccer team advanced to the district finals in Class 2, District 1 with a 1-0 victory over the Fredericktown Blackcats at Notre Dame High School.

The Bulldogs kept constant offensive pressure on the Blackcats and played flawless defense in the game to secure the win.

"We dominated play tonight," said Sikeston head coach Derrick Long. "The guys played extremely hard and we reached our goal, which was to reach the district finals."

Fredericktown frustrated Sikeston all night as their defense was based on keeping the Bulldogs offense surrounding by defenders. The Blackcats played six defenders back by the goal and had four up for offense.

"They had seven in the box to try and slow us down," said Long. "They played very well tonight but fortunately we pulled the game out."

Sikeston's Timmy Hart waits to make a play.

In the first half, Sikeston outshot Fredericktown 11-6. The Bulldogs had some chances against Blackcat goalie Eli Skaggs early in the match. At 5:00, Chris Carnell made an excellent cross to Blake Taylor who headed the ball past Skaggs but was too high and bounced off the crossbar, going behind the goal.

Carnell had a chance on goal at 38:00 as his header was denied by Skaggs who made a nice recovery and save. Sikeston and Fredericktown were tied 0

-0 at the intermission.

The Blackcats continued to play the defensive-minded game plan in the second half and the Bulldogs continued to put the pressure on Fredericktown.

Justin Deere of the Bulldogs started the shots on goal in the second half at 42:00, as he sent a screamer toward the left side of the goal.

Somehow, Skaggs made an impossible diving stop to keep the match tied.

Taylor was once again denied by Skaggs on a pass by Timmy Hart to Taylor for the header which was stopped by the Blackcats goalie at 48:00. Taylor had another header attempt at 51:00 stopped by Skaggs on a corner kick by Scott Gardner.

At 55:00, the Bulldogs frustration on goal continued as an attempt by Gardner deflected high off the goal and went out of play. Sikeston outshot Fredericktown 12-3 in the second half and it seemed only a matter of minutes until Sikeston broke through for a goal.

The Bulldogs finally found net at 64:00 when Deere made a perfect pass to a streaking Hart who put the ball past the Fredericktown goalie for the go-

ahead and winning goal. Sikeston didn't allow Fredericktown any meaningful chances late and the Bulldogs advanced with a 1-0 victory.

Sikeston outshot Fredericktown 23-9 in the game while Sikeston goalie Scott Droddy recorded his second consecutive shutout in district action.

"We have played some outstanding defense," said Long. "I don't think Droddy was challenged all night."

In the other semifinal action on Tuesday night, Notre Dame defeated Lutheran South 2-0 to advance to the finals.

Sikeston (12-10) will face Notre Dame on Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Notre Dame soccer fields behind the high school. The winner between Sikeston and Notre Dame will advance to quarterfinal play on Nov. 8 at Fenton against the winner of District 2.

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