The Polar Bears (7-1-0, 2-0-0) claimed victories against GlenOak 2-1 and Walsh Jesuit 1-0 last week and gain control of the Federal League race. 

Last Tuesday at the Netz, the GlenOak Golden Eagles came out flying and scored just 57 seconds into the match. Despite several good chances to score for Jackson, it wasn't until the 37th minute when Sophomore Edin Sabljakovic headed a perfectly placed cross into the upper 90 of the goal to tie the score. Most of the second half was played at the midfield as both teams struggled for possession. However, Jackson would make the most of a scoring chance in the 69th minute. Ryan  Galley's cross was pushed to the back post by Sabljakovic for a tap-in goal from Joey Hallworth. 

Jackson's defense limited the potent Eagle offense to only 3 shots on goal, and just one after the opening minute goal. Jackson moves into first place in the Federal League and has already posted wins over Lake and GlenOak, two teams expected to challenge for the 2011 title. 

"We are pleased with the result." said Jackson coach Michael Biros. "Giving up that early goal in a big match can be catastrophic, but the boys didn't panic and stuck with it. There's a long way to go in the league race though."

On Saturday, the Polar Bears traveled to Walsh Jesuit and came away with a 1-0 victory. James Haupt scored on a screaming shot from about 25 yards out thanks to a nice assist from the back by Matt Glasgow. Goalkeeper Pat Schauer and his defense recorded their second shutout of the season. Seniors Heath Reichenbach, Karl Xia, Glasgow, Mitch Griffiths, Junior Nick Wright,  and Sophomores Micah Johnson, Grant Slovan, and Sabastian Villegas all combined to hold Walsh to just 3 shots on goal.  "It was a solid performance and another good result." said Biros. "Walsh is very well coached and playing there is as difficult a place to win as any in the state."

Jackson reaches the half-way point of the 2011 season with seven wins to one defeat and currently riding a 3 match win streak. Despite several new starters to the lineup this season, the Polar Bears are getting better and still and grinding out victories against very good teams so far. They will get a chance to rest and heal up a bit before heading to Cleveland to face #1 St. Ignatius on Saturday and to Columbus to play #2 Gahanna Lincoln next Saturday. 

The Polar Bears (5-1-0, 1-0-0) raced out to a 2-0 lead midway through the first half and a couple more goals midway through the second half to defeat the Shoremen (2-2-2)  on Saturday evening.  The home side enjoyed a bit more of the play and scoring chances over the first part of the match. Jackson would turn the tables at the 18th minute thanks to a Ryan Galley goal. James Haupt would add to Jackson's lead a few minutes later. Avon Lake tallied a nice goal before half to get back into the game. The Polar Bears controlled the second half and Heath Reichenbach put the match away in the 66th minute with a header off a corner. Moments later, Haupt netted his second of the match to ice it.  Joey Hallworth added a couple assists in the win. 

"This was a good win on the road for the Polar Bears." said Jackson Coach Michael Biros. "It started with our defensive pressure, especially in the second half. We had a long week to reflect on our previous match and work on getting better. Our coaching staff has done a great job getting everyone focused and prepared to play."

The previous match for Jackson was a loss to Hudson, 3-1. The Explorers exploited the Polar Bears defense for three first half goals. Jackson would only be able to score once in the second half. 

Next up is a big league match against GlenOak on Tuesday night at the Netz which will go a long way in determining the 2011 Federal League champion. GlenOak is currently undefeated and the teams tied last year.  

The Polar Bears (4-0-0, 1-0-0) get a good start in league play with a 3-1 win over the Lake Blue Streaks at the Netz on Tuesday evening. With hundreds of future Jackson soccer players in attendance, the Bears dominated the opening portion of the match and took a 1-0 lead into half. In the second half, Ryan Galley pushed the home team ahead with a header goal in the 50th minute. Lake would creep back into the match with a late goal off a corner. However, James Haupt would seal the match with a goal a couple minutes later.  Goalkeeper Pat Schauer had a solid match gobbling up five shots and snared a few crosses before they became dangerous. 

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The Polar Bears playing their third match in five days will not get too much rest as they host Hudson on Thursday night. Both teams are ranked one and two in this weeks Greater Akron coaches poll. It also is a continuation of a classic rivalry. Last season, the two teams tied 1-1 in an early season meeting. Jackson defeated Hudson in the district championship in a 4-3 thriller.

Last week, Jackson defeated Cardinal Mooney 2-1. The Cardinals jumped out to a quick lead just four minutes in to the match. Jackson would get goals from Joey Hallworth and Mitch Griffiths midway through the half and held Mooney without a shot the rest of the way. Jackson also traveled to Stow and won 3-1. Hallworth, Haupt, and Griffiths all scored in the match. 

The Polar Bears (1-0) started quickly and scored often on Saturday night as they rolled to a 5-0 win over Thomas Worthington (Columbus). Jackson scored three goals in a five minute span early in the match. Ryan Galley scored twice and James Haupt netted the other. Midway through the second half, Joey Hallworth took over with a stunning run with the ball and shot for a goal, and assisted Perry Billett for the final tally moments later.

Defensively, Jackson looked composed and limited the visitors to very few chances to score. Goalkeeper Patrick Schauer saved three shots and gets the shutout. Karl Xia, Heath Reichenbach and Grant Slovan all had strong games against a solid attack.

“A good start to the season,” said Jackson coach Michael Biros. “We scored some very nice goals. More importantly, we made some major improvements this week defensively. With several new starters on the back line, we seemed to be pretty organized and they played well together. We still have a long way to go this season, but a good start.”

Junior Varsity also started the season on a winning note with a 1-0 win over Thomas Worthington. Carter Billett with the game winner midway through the second half.

Jackson will host Cardinal Mooney (Youngstown) on Thursday (Aug 25^th) at 7pm.

Monday, August 29^th is YOUTH NIGHT! All players wearing their Jackson uniform will be admitted free to the match. Jackson opens Federal League play against Lake at 7pm.