The Natchez High School boys soccer team was without several players Tuesday night in a game that could have clinched it a spot in the postseason.

A win over Brookhaven would have given the Bulldogs an automatic ticket to the playoffs, but a lack of expertise led to a 6-0 loss.

“Four seniors are gone,” Natchez coach Dai Vu said. “They are not here today, and I don’t know why.”

Vu said the long weekend might have been the only reason he could think of for his team not showing up in full force. In addition to Monday’s observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Natchez was dismissed from school Tuesday for teacher conferences.

One key player that was missing from the game was Eric Terrell, who scored three goals in the Bulldogs victory over Provine last Friday, 3-2.

“It hurt us a lot,” Vu said. “My scorer is not here, and we don’t have anybody that can attack. We can’t do anything.”

Natchez will now have to wait until Friday to find out if its playoff chances are still alive. The top two teams in the Region 6-5A will advance. The Bulldogs are currently tied with Provine, who will play its final region game with Brookhaven Friday.

No matter the outcome of Friday’s matchup, Vu said there is still progress to be made.

“We need a lot of improvement in playing together instead of individually getting the ball and kicking it away,” he said. “We are going to work on a lot including ball control. The ones that are playing for the first time will learn from this, and next year they will know.”

Cornelius Bailey ended the game with four saves at goalkeeper.

“The goalie had the most improvement this year,” Vu said. “He tried hard in this game, and he does his best.”

Tabius Woods led the offensive efforts, taking two shots during the game.

Natchez (1-6) will play its final game of the regular season Thursday at Magee.

Brookhaven (girls) 6, Natchez 0

The Lady Bulldogs (0-7) shutout Brookhaven in the second half, but it wasn’t enough as they fell, 6-0.

After halftime, Coach Jessica Stevenson urged her team to focus on keeping the ball within its possession.

“I do feel like we won the ball more,” Stevenson said. “We were actually able to step up to them and get it on our half (of the field), during the second half especially.”

Natchez also struggled due to multiple injuries.

Jakayleen Perry returned for her first game back after having a heart monitor removed, Alyiah Hawkins was out recently with a knee injury and Ladaria Johnson has been suffering from a toe injury.

Stevenson also added that playing the game is all about development.

“I think they played harder than they did the first time we played them (Brookhaven),” she said. “They just have to do what I say. We have to learn how to play their positions, because they are all still new.”

Johnson and Destinee Green each took a shot at the goal for Natchez. At goalkeeper, Zharia Barnes had four saves and Iyanna Holmes finished with two saves.