Poplar Bluff's Josh Thompson (21) chases a pass from Dustin Calvert (1) during the first half Monday at Whiteley Park. Calvert set up both goals by Thompson in a 2-0 win by the Mules. At right is Kennett's Westley Wood. (Brian Rosener/DAR)

By ROB TATE ~ DAR Sports Writer

It's really too bad that senior Josh Thompson will only be able to play one season with sophomore Dustin Calvert.

Those who saw them play Monday afternoon in Poplar Bluff's 2-0 win over Kennett saw perhaps the development of a one-two punch on offense that will give the Mules a leg up on the competition the rest of the season.

Calvert assisted on both of Thompson's goals in the second half on two beautiful plays to set up the victory for the Mules at Whiteley Park.

"Me and Calvert definitely have some chemistry," Thompson said afterward. "It's just starting to build with a lot more to come."

After a scoreless first half with a few scoring opportunities for each team, the dynamic duo stepped up their play in the second half. Poplar Bluff coach Derek Reasons made some adjustments at halftime, the Mules got the offense flowing.

Around the 50th minute of play in the game, Thompson scored his first goal off the feed from Calvert. Thompson beat Indians goalkeeper Billy Fender low and to the right-hand side.

The second goal came about 15 minutes later has Calvert feed Thompson a no-look pass off the back of his heel and Thompson promptly scorched it by the goalkeeper for the 2-0 lead.

Thompson said the second goal was on a play the team has worked on.

"It's actually called an up-back through," Thompson said of the second goal. "And Calvert just made one of those incredible passes like those top-10 plays on ESPN. It definitely showed his skill."

Reasons can only see the development of this tandem as a positive for the Mules (3-4).

"They finally got the chemistry kind of clicking tonight," Reasons said. "And it all started in the second half. We noticed their midfield had a huge gap inside and that's what we exploited in second half."

Thompson probably could have had four goals in the second half, but a little bit of tough luck occurred as he hit the post twice late in the second half.

After playing six games from Sept. 6 to last Thursday, the Mules looked wellrested in the first half, but just couldn't capitalize on scoring opportunities.

"We just came out flat," Reasons said. "I don't know how many times I have to tell them that we can't do that."

Senior forward Alton Brookreson had a couple good looks at the goal but just couldn't come through in the end sending one shot that was tipped over the net by Fender as well as a another save off a pass from Thompson.

"He's improving game by game," Reasons said. "He just started playing last year and he has a ton of talent, he wants to do the right thing. It seems like each game more and more he progresses."

Poplar Bluff goaltender Jay Raulston, center, hauls in a corner kick during the second half before Kennett's Andy Sherrod (20), Nelson Villela (9) and Blake Wilbanks (40) can get to it Monday at Whiteley Park. (Brian Rosener/DAR) [Click to enlarge]

Goalkeeper Jay Raulston was challenged a few times Monday and came up with seven saves for his second shutout of the year.

For Kennett, junior Blake Wilbanks had a couple shots on goal in the first half and in the second half Nelson Viella shot one just high of the crossbar.

The Mules, who have three wins now on the season, beat Kennett in both meetings last year in a season that the Mules only won five games.

Thompson felt it was important to get the win and start the home schedule right.

"It was huge," Thompson said of the first home game of the year after the first six were on the road. "We were excited before the game.

Notes: There was no junior varsity game. … Junior Tim Kimbrow was awarded a goal from the game Thursday against Fredericktown. The goal wasn't originally credited to anyone because Fredericktown scored on its own goal. … The Mules return to action today at 5:30 p.m. at Notre Dame. Notre Dame defeated Poplar Bluff the first game of the season, 8-0.