Notre Dame edges Sikeston in 2OT

Sikeston’s PJ Farmer (4) competes during a 2-1 double overtime loss to Notre Dame at Bill Lawson Memorial Field on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024.

Submitted by Mark Grimes

SIKESTON — In a match that epitomized the unpredictability and drama of high school soccer, Sikeston fell to Notre Dame in a 2-1 double-overtime thriller at the Bill Lawson Memorial Field on Monday, Oct. 17.

Despite creating numerous opportunities, Sikeston's (10-6-1) inability to capitalize on chances ultimately led to the loss.

“I was extremely proud of our effort despite the loss,” said Sikeston coach Gabe Dement. “We’ve proven we can go toe to toe with the top teams in our district and now we work towards doing it when it matters in districts. Our defense played admirably despite the loss and our offense was able to create several great chances from the feet of Tristan Wiggins, Keith Branson, PJ Farmer, and Jaden Johnson.

The first half of the game remained scoreless, with both teams demonstrating strong defensive play.

Notre Dame's Trenton Powell broke the deadlock with 21 minutes left in the second half, giving his team a 1-0 lead. In response, Sikeston shifted to a more aggressive 3-4-3 formation, moving Mauricio Bautista to a central midfield position.

This tactical change paid off when Bautista unleashed a powerful shot, leveling the score at 1-1.

“We quickly generated an attack and a loose ball found the foot of Bautista,” Dement said. “He ripped a shot top corner to tie it 1-1.”

As the match progressed into overtime, both teams continued to generate scoring opportunities. Sikeston's goalkeeper, Barrett Stokes, made a crucial save in the first overtime period, keeping his team in contention. However, midway through the second overtime, Notre Dame mounted a decisive attack. A deflected shot found its way into the back of the net, with Andy Pederson credited for the winning goal.

Sikeston will look to bounce back when it hosts Hillsboro (3-18-0) for Senior Night on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 4:30 p.m.

Notre Dame (7-9-0) has now won seven of its last eight matches after starting the season on an eight-game losing streak and will be on the road at Jackson in its regular-season finale on Tuesday, Oct. 29.