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YORK – Cotter Jackson covers a lot of ground for the Yarmouth boys’ soccer team.

On Thursday, he was the Clippers’ last line of defense in front of the goaltender and first option on set plays, scoring twice in a 4-1 victory against York in a matchup of Western Class B contenders.

Jackson typically plays midfield or striker, but with two starting fullbacks sidelined, he was moved to defense and played almost the entire game.

“I knew I had to play a lot,” Jackson said. “I’m pretty tired but I’m proud, and I’ve got the adrenaline pumping.”

Both goals were on set plays. The first came midway through the first half and the second with 10:05 left to play.

Three of Yarmouth’s four goals came on set plays. The other was scored by Luke Pierce, who headed home a corner kick to make it 2-0 with 16:32 remaining in the first half.

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“They were terrific goals,” Yarmouth Coach Mike Hagerty said. “For the past 10 years we’ve focused on set pieces.”

The two injured fullbacks for the Clippers were Jeff Stuart (knee) and Ben Johnson (thigh).

Jackson did a great job filling in for them in the back, and his first goal was worthy of a highlight reel.

It happened on an indirect kick taken by Kyle Groves at midfield. He sent a pass into the Wildcat box and right to Jackson on the far post. Jackson didn’t even let the ball hit the ground as he volleyed in a shot to open the scoring.

Yarmouth (8-0-1) carried the play in the first half and led 2-0 at the break. The Clippers went up 3-0 when Campbell Belisle- Haley capitalized on a Wildcat turnover with 25:45 left.

York (6-2) was much more aggressive in the second half and created more chances. The Wildcats had two corner kicks in the first three minutes of the second half and scored when Theodore Bullock converted a penalty kick to make it 3-1 with 11:39 remaining.

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Bullock drew the call when he was taken down from behind by a defender in the penalty box. It was the fifth goal Yarmouth has given up this season, the second on a penalty kick.

It didn’t take the Clippers long to respond. Just more than a minute later, Jackson made it a three-goal cushion again on an indirect kick from the right wing.

The ball was served into the York box, where it was deflected on net and saved by Noah Rickerich. But the rebound went right to Jackson, who one-timed a shot into the back of the net.

“They finished very well tonight,” York Coach Michael Masi said about the Clippers.

“They took advantage of our mistakes and their opportunities.”

 

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