Patrick Jackson '11

After receiving limited playing time as a freshman last year, men’s soccer midfielder Patrick Jackson earned the starting nod throughout the 2008 season, and has emerged as one of the top scoring midfielders in the NESCAC.

Jackson (Durham, N.H.) underscored that on Saturday, when he factored into all three of Bates’ goals in a crucial 3-2 victory over Wesleyan. He led off the scoring with a goal assisted by first-year goalie Greg Watts and sophomore midfielder Dustin DiGregorio, and made it 2-0 when he headed in a corner kick by junior forward Jonathan Lobozzo. Jackson returned Lobozzo’s favor in the second half, as Bates added an insurance goal when Lobozzo headed in a ball inside the right corner, assisted on a crossing pass by Jackson. Jackson was named NESCAC Men’s Soccer Player of the Week for his virtuoso performance.

Jackson leads the team in scoring with 8 goals and 2 assists. Jackson’s performance Saturday lifted him into the top 10 in the conference in points per game (1.08; 10th) and goals per game (0.50; tied for 6th).

Bates hosts Colby this Friday at 3 p.m., needing a win for a spot in the eight-team field of the NESCAC Championship, which starts on Sunday.