Bulldogs maintain hold on 4th

Mississippi Gulf Coast scored a convincing men's soccer victory Friday over Meridian, with Hyungjoon Lee scoring twice in a 3-1 win.

"We played well in spurts," Gulf Coast coach Chris Handy said. "The second half was much better. We're in playoff prep at this point trying to be disciplined and make sure we dot every I and cross every T. We want to make sure when the playoffs are here the kids are ready and we can make a run."

Gulf Coast (7-5-2) improved to 5-2-2 in the MACCC to stay one point ahead of Itawamba for fourth place, the final slot that hosts a NJCAA Gulf District quarterfinal. Itawamba beat Northwest Mississippi 3-0 Friday.

The Bulldogs, who clinched a playoff spot, close out their regular season Tuesday with Sophomore Night when Southwest Mississippi visits Perkinston. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Itawamba hosts East Central.

Meridian is now 2-10-2, 1-7-1.

The Bulldogs peppered the Eagles keeper with shots, but he was up to the challenge on most.

"Their keeper was outstanding," Handy said. "I looked at (assistant coach) Windham (Whatley) halfway through and said, 'This guy is kind of a jerk,' because he wouldn't let us break the game open. He was really good."

Hyungjoon Lee (So., Suwon, South Korea/Dongbuk) finished off a lightning buildup in the 11^th minute by playing a sweet 1-2 with Ashton Taylor (So., Olive Branch/Center Hill) for a 1-0 lead.

Meridian tied it four minutes later, with Taylor getting a goal of his own in the 58^th minute. Michael Bell (So., Jackson/Murrah) got to the end line and pulled it back for Taylor.

The keeper even saved a Lee penalty kick to keep the sophomore All-American from recording a hat trick, but he got his second goal in the 84^th minute to close out the game.

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