Semoball

Thornbrough’s two goals propels Sikeston past Anna-Jonesboro 3-1

Sikeston’s Andrew Faire (14) dribbles downfield against Anna-Jonesboro, Illinois, Monday night at the Sikeston Recreation Complex. Sikeston won the match 3-1 behind two goals from Dylan Thornbrough and one from Brice Gordon. Faire had two assists while Heath Poindexter had one for the Bulldogs, who improve to 5-9-1.
Photo courtesy of Mark Grimes

SIKESTON — The second meeting of Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats and the Bulldogs lived up to the hype.  Earlier in the year the two sides met up in the final match at the Greg Kline Invitational and both squads were looking for revenge and to settle the score, with the Bulldogs prevailing in a 3-1 defeat at home. 

The Wildcats started the match with a mix of great chances in the first four minutes, three shots on target and one off target set the stage for the Bulldogs defense be ready. It didn’t take long before the Bulldogs saw the momentum shift their way when Josh McClendon had two opportunities just seven and eight minutes into the match, followed by Dylan Thornbrough and Brice Gordon each with a shot on target two minutes later.  

“We feel like our offense has gotten a boost with Thornbrough being pushed to forward,” said Sikeston coach Gabe Dement. “It may not be his most comfortable position, but he is able to create for himself and others. Brice Gordon switched spots with him and he has been a workhorse for us at mid.”

For Thornbrough playing forward isn’t anything new but it has been four years since the senior has played the position. Growing up as a forward in club ball he transitioned to center midfielder as a freshman. 

Thornbrough added about the switch, “Whatever Coach needs me to do for the team I am willing.”  

Ten minutes into the match Heath Poindexter laid a pass to Thornbrough who was able to dribble into open space to grab Sikeston’s first goal. With only six minutes passed the initial goal Thornbrough netted another pass from Brice Gordon to jump the Bulldogs into a 2-0 lead.

“Our offense has played well the past few games, in my opinion. They set the tone in the first half by creating well and finishing effectively. I’m glad to see us starting to capitalize on the great chances Andrew Faire has created,” Dement said.

The Bulldogs would go up 3-0 on a corner kick from Faire which Gordon was able to wrangle into the net with 15 minutes left in the first half. That goal would be the final score for the Bulldogs in the match. The Wildcats scored four minutes into the second half and would be held scoreless the remainder of the 36 minutes.

Dement spoke highly of his defense.

“Defensively, we faced a solid offense which included one of the best attackers we’ve seen, #17 Charles Vaca Diez.,” Dement said. “We were able to stay organized and hold them to one goal. Credit to our back four and keeper for the effort it took to make it really tough on them.”

Senior center back Mason Slipis understood the Wildcats plan.

“They loved to play the ball over the top of number 14 and 17 and let them create, but with us running sweeper/stopper formation it stopped their attacking plans wonderfully,” Slipis said.

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