Gulf Coast pointed toward state semifinal showdown

Mississippi Gulf Coast heads to the MACJC men's soccer semifinals for a rematch. The Bulldogs defeated Hinds 2-1 in overtime on Aug. 26, very early in the season.

However, there's a limit to the value of knowing you've beaten another team.

"The game's not going to be won based on how confident we are," Bulldogs coach Chris Handy said. "It's going to be won on things we've done in practice, the activity level of the front four, the little things they do defensively. More than anything, it's going to be works as a team the best."

Gulf Coast's second MACJC playoff game comes a day earlier than anticipated. The Bulldogs (14-4) will play Hinds (11-4) at Tom Shepherd Field in Raymond at 6 p.m. Friday.

The winner advances to Saturday's noon state championship game. Both finalists will advance to the South District tournament. 

Gulf Coast was the No. 2 seed in the South and defeated East Central 8-4 Tuesday in the opening round. Hinds earned a bye by virtue of winning the North Division.

The Eagles marched through division play undefeated. That journey means things won't be the same as the first time around.

"They've changed their formation a little bit," Handy said. "They're playing a similar formation to us and had some guys move around. It's a matter of their danger guys being in different places."

The Bulldogs are different, too. They haven't changed much strategically, but they've grown over the course of the season.

Sophomore midfielder Lewis Tillman wasn't available the first time the teams played, and he's scored three goals over the last four games.

The Bulldogs won't see any other players added to those who saw action in August, but the freshmen have a season's worth of games under their belts. 

"The freshmen have definitely grown up," Handy said. "There's a little bit more trust. We're definitely a different team. The same number of people will play; they'll just be more effective."

MACJC Men's Soccer Tournament schedule

At Tom Shepherd Field, Raymond

Friday, Oct. 30  

Men's semifinal game #1 4 p.m. – Northwest /Jones County - Q/F game winner (V) vs. Pearl River (H)
 

Men's semifinal game #2 6 p.m. – Gulf Coast (V) vs. Hinds (H)
 
 

Saturday, Oct. 31

Men's state championship game 12 p.m. – Winners of semifinal games #1 and #2

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