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Phoenix downs Henley TALENT � Phoenix, still smarting from its only loss of the season, gained vengeance against Henley Thursday in a crucial District 6 boys soccer match at Hagler-James Park. The Pirates got a hat trick from John Hendricks and a terrific defensive performance in downing the Hornets of Klamath Falls, 3-0. Henley had beaten visiting Phoenix 2-1 in a non-league match early in the year. "That kind of stuck in our craw," said Pirate coach Dennis Flenner. "It was our only loss of the year, but we knew they had to come and see us, and we were laying for them." Phoenix, the defending district champion, moved to 8-0 in league and 11-1 overall. It doesn�t play again until a probable title showdown next Thursday at Hidden Valley in Murphy. Hidden Valley is 5-0 with matches against Rogue River and North Valley before it meets Phoenix. Hendricks scored in the first half at 27 minutes off an assist from freshman Matt Seeley, then added another score two minutes into the second half after a nice play by David Peterson. Peterson gained control of the ball, then found a streaking Hendricks, who finished off the breakaway with a shot from 8 yards. "David and John work really well together," said Flenner. "They�re kind of like a tag team." The two teamed up on a similar play with only two minutes left in the match, Hendricks scoring from 14 yards out. Henley, trying to play catch-up, got nowhere against the Phoenix defense and goalie Anthony Machado. "He was waiting for them," said Flenner, who also praised the play of sweeper Al Albright and stopper Chris Swann. "Our defense has just been stellar. Offense is what everyone loves to watch, but defense wins games and championships." ROGUE RIVER 2, ILLINOIS VALLEY 0 � At Cave Junction, a strong defensive performance led the Chieftains to a shutout conference victory. Jesse O�Gara scored in the 25th minute and Fred Perryman added a goal in the 60th minute to give the Chieftains all the offense they would need. Rogue River, 3-3 in District 6, had 28 shots on goal to Illinois Valley�s 10. Southern Oregon Conference SOUTH MEDFORD 5, NORTH EUGENE 1 � Five players got into the scoring column as South Medford improved to 8-3-1 with a non-conference win at Fichtner-Mainwaring Park. Justin Baldoni opened the scoring, taking an assist from Jon McCollum, in the 20th minute. Two minutes later, McCollum scored, unassisted, to make it 2-0. North Eugene�s Jeff Teach chipped a shot over South�s goalkeeper at the 27-minute mark. But Daniel Potter restored South�s cushion with a goal 10 minutes before the half, taking an assist from Josh Neville. South�s Kyle Hadley, taking time away from the goal, headed home Craig Tomlins� corner kick with eight minutes to play. Adam Walport capped the scoring, drilling home a goal after taking a pass from Corey Parks. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.