Marion Athletics -

The Marion soccer clubs have enjoyed a breakout spring in 2026, and never was it more evident than last Friday night's matches against Nettleton.

That's when Marion's girls and boys clubs picked up identical 3-0 victories over their respective 5A East rivals inside Southern Bancorp Stadium to keep pace for playoff spots for the Class 5A state soccer tournament in Searcy.

The Marion ladies logged their fourth conference victory of the spring, and seventh overall, as the Lady Patriots got a first-half goal from all-conference performer Abby Jackson to claim a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Jenesis Tate doubled the Marion lead with 33:11 left in the second half when she found the net for a 2-0 lead, and all-conference performer Reese Goodwin capped the scoring with 29:51 left in regulation with a goal of her own.

Marion's defense surrendered only one shot on net, which was handled by all-league goal-keeper Aynslee Coad, as well as strong defensive efforts from Autumn Young, Michelle Strickland, Taylor Chamness, Aliyah Mathis, and Bryleigh Switzer.

The Marion men were also victorious, turning the Raiders away behind a pair of goals from Caleb White and one from Brody Wasion.
Patriot goalkeeper Justin Foster closed out Marion's third conference shutout of the spring, getting a lift from Kajeris and Kejeris Hill, Jaylon Foster, Cristobal Saez, Cristofer Yaw, and Joe Allen.

Marion plays Monday night at Valley View.