Tiger soccer loses match and starting goalkeeper

BONNER SPRINGS -- Fort Scott High's soccer team lost a non-league match to Bonner Springs here Thursday, 3-1. And during the match, the Tigers lost starting goalkeeper Clayton Hixon for the rest of the season with a broken leg.

"In the last 10 minutes he came out to challenge a ball that beat the defense," Fort Scott head coach Andrew Cline said. "Clayton collided with a Bonner Springs forward at top speed and instantly broke his leg. It was a good tackle by both parties and no foul was called but immediately the referee stopped the play and motioned me over. Play was stopped and an ambulance was called and Clayton was taken to the hospital. He is doing much better but will be out for the rest of the season."

By coincidence, Hixon became the starting goalkeeper late last season after then-senior Brett Allen suffered a broken leg. Hixon started each of the Tigers' three playoff games.

Hixon missed some time earlier this season with a concussion. Philip Moran played in goal for the varsity during his absence.

Bonner Springs scored all three of its goals in the first half of play. The Tigers' goal was scored by Tyler Endicott, his fifth of the year, off a Jonah Jones assist in the second half following Hixon's injury.

The Tigers (5-7-1) host Coffeyville in Southeast Kansas League play at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Ellis Park.