DECATUR – Fourth-ranked Jones College broke a scoreless tie with a pair of second-half goals and turned in another strong defensive performance Friday afternoon, shutting out East Central 2-0 at Warrior Field to remain unbeaten on the season.
Lyle Hardisty and Calvin Harrison scored 11 minutes apart, while goalkeeper Logan Correro recorded three saves to help the Bobcats improve to 12-0-2 overall and 6-0-1 in MACCC play.
East Central dropped to 4-4-3 overall and 3-3-1 in conference action.
Despite controlling much of the opening half, Jones couldn't find the back of the net against Warriors goalkeeper Sebastian Montes Montoya, who made seven first-half saves to keep the match scoreless at intermission.
The Bobcats finally broke through in the 60th minute when Hardisty headed in a free kick from Mario Novaku, giving Jones a 1-0 advantage.
Harrison provided some insurance in the 71st minute, scoring a nifty 1v2 goal to double the lead and put the Bobcats firmly in control. Hardisty's flick-on around midfield played in front of Harrison and he finished.
Jones finished with a 16-10 advantage in shots, including a commanding 12-3 edge in shots on goal. The Bobcats were consistent offensively, registering eight shots in each half while continuing to pressure the East Central defense throughout the afternoon.
The biggest match of the year will be played in Ellisville Tuesday night as the unbeaten Bobcats host unbeaten and seventh-ranked Pearl River (9-0-2, 7-0 MACCC).
Tickets are $8 online through jcbobcats.com/tickets or $10 cash/$11 card at the entrance. The match will be live streamed at jcbobcats.com/watch.
