Road game for Jimmies

Talk about it

Expect a close match today when the Jimmies play their first ever national-tournament neutral-site game.

Although, for Jamestown College it’s more of a true road game.

The Jimmies (16-4-1) face national-tournament host Auburn-Montgomery, Ala. (17-3-1) tonight at 6:30. Only 16 NAIA soccer teams remain, and by the luck of the draw, the Jimmies get the only one still playing at home.

“That adds something to the challenge, but I don’t think our guys are too worried about it,” JC coach Phillip Bohn said. “We’ve had to win away games to get here.”

They certainly have, often times in nail-biting fashion. In order to earn their trip to Alabama, the Jimmies had to win twice in California and then in Montana, now they head south to face the Warhawks.

On paper, it’s a pretty even matchup.

Jamestown College has scored 54 goals and allowed 22. Auburn has allowed the same number, but scored 57. Both teams have nine players with multiple goals. Jade Johnson and George Gauld each have 12 tallies for Jamestown College. Jack Keeling has seven in 17 games. Ellis Riley (5), Austin Dillard (4) and Dominic O’Connor (4) are also threats.

Agust Arnarson has scored 15 of Auburn’s 57 goals.

Thomas Cooke and Vignir Johannesson each have 1.020 goals-against averages and have 17 combined shutouts. The Jimmies’ Cooke has seven.

It might come down to which team gets the lucky bounce.

“Our guys have been playing with a lot of confidence. They definitely believe they belong in Alabama,” Bohn said. “If we play up to our potential it should be interesting.”

Sun sports editor Dave Selvig can be reached at (701) 952-8460 or by e-mail at daves@jamestownsun.com

Tags: college sports, sports, soccer, jimmies