Defense was the focus at the start of the season for the Jefferson City Jays.
But after having trouble totaling more than one goal in a game, it was time to work on the offensive end.
That work paid off Saturday in the Capital City Classic at the 179 Soccer Park as Jefferson City defeated North County 3-0 and Poplar Bluff 1-0.
"We went on an absolute tear for us, 3-0," Jefferson City coach Scott Blake said.
It wasn't a complete overhaul for the offense, just a few tweaks.
"There were little things that many people might not notice," Blake said. "Being more aggressive around the net, getting to loose balls, we've been driving on getting numbers forward to do the best job we can do of making the best of our opportunities."
The Jays got on the board by being aggressive around the net. A little less than four minutes into the game, Isaac Johnson chased down a ball near the end line and was able to center it toward the net. Brayden Carron was there to put it it to give the Jays the lead.
"Brayden was flying in and hit it," Blake said. "It was a great goal.
"We've struggled to get on the end of those sometimes. It was encouraging to see us be aggressive, crashing the net in the first half."
Jefferson City made it 2-0 midway through the second half when Chad Hamler scored off an assist by Peter Kuster .
"That's been the hard one to find this year," Blake said. "We finally got some separation in the game."
The Jays padded their lead about three minutes later when Layton Boyce scored, assisted by Erick Ortiz.
That gave Blake the opportunity to give many of his reserve players some time on the field.
"We really need those guys to stretch their play out, to reward them as well as being ready of we need them," he said.
It was a solid defensive effort for the Jays, who allowed just three shots on goal.
"We kept things pretty locked down," Blake said.
Things stayed locked down in the second game against Poplar Bluff.
Jefferson City, which has won six straight games, got the game's lone goal in the second half when Max Allen scored off an assist by Justin Gerke.
The Jays (6-2) are back in action next Friday and Saturday at the Kickapoo Tournament in Springfield. Jefferson City will face Sedalia Smith-Cotton, Kickapoo and Sedalia Sacred Heart in the event.