MARION -- Sikeston's soccer team suffered a disappointing 3-2 loss to Marion on Tuesday, falling to 1-3 on the season.
For Sikeston, one starter was out with a red card and the other was out with a broken nose, but head coach Derrick Long offered up no excuses.
"That was probably the worst we've played in a long time," said Long. "Marion is a pretty scrappy team, but they lost a lot from last year. We were definitely the better team, we just couldn't get anything going."
Adam Garrett gave Sikeston an early 1-0 lead with a goal at the three minute mark. It was assisted by Adam Hahs.
At the 37-minute mark, Marion's Nathan Maddock tied the match with a goal.
In the second half, Kyle Smith gave Marion the lead with a goal at 46 minutes. Sikeston was then awarded a penalty kick at the 52 minute mark, but failed to take advantage.
"I'm glad this is early in the season," said Long. "I would be worried if it were later in the year. Hopefully we can win a couple in a row here and get on the right page."
Marion was awarded a penalty kick shortly after, and Smith produced a goal to give the Wildcats a 3-1 advantage.
At 75 minutes, Hahs scored an unassisted goal but Sikeston would get no closer.
Sikeston finished the game with 16 shots on goal compared to Marion's 12. Sikeston keeper Chris Cota had nine saves.
Sikeston (1-3) will host Kennett today at 4 p.m. Last year Sikeston beat the Indians three times.
"If we play the right game, we should be able to handle them easily," said Long.