Former MGCCC players aim for GCPL Cup

PERKINSTON — When Port City FC takes on Cajun Soccer Club on Saturday night in Mobile for the Gulf Coast Premier League championship, 11 former Mississippi Gulf Coast will be aiming to lift the cup.

The Sounders defeated Motagua New Orleans 5-3 on Thursday night to earn a shot at the title.

The former Bulldogs make a major portion of the squad, with four among the normal starters. Jordan Hall, James Beattie, Caleb Counselman and Harrison Russell are in the first 11 along with current MGCCC assistant coach Patrick Harrison.

"It's great to spread the joy of soccer for the locals," Harrison said. "We don't really have a team around here to root for. I'm glad to be able to do something for the kids to watch. To have something finally to play for is nice."

The other seven come off the bench for the Sounders, including Owen Betz, Austin Miller, Mathew Edwards, Cavan Doherty, Taylor Skelton, Zachary Villarubia and

James Beattie. The league uses substitution rules similar to the NCAA where there is no limit to the number of subs, but players cannot re-enter in a half they already played in.

There are William Carey players from the team that made it to the NAIA quarterfinals on the squad, too.

"It's nice to see our players be able to contribute at a very high level," said Harrison, who is the captain. "For us to be able to play alongside those guys and compete at that level, it speaks volumes about the program we run and the type of players we coach."

The championship is being played at Archbishop Lipscomb Stadium (3610 Michael Blvd.), with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Cajun SC is based out of Lafayette, La. The teams did not meet in the regular season, and Cajun knocked out the No. 1 seed in the playoffs to make the finals. Port City is the No. 2 seed.

The winner will advance into regional qualifying for the U.S. Open Cup, a competition open to soccer teams from MLS down to amateur squads. Motagua, last year's GCPL champion, got knocked out by NTX Rayados from Texas, one step from the main tournament.

"We could play an MLS team down the line," Harrison said. "That's the dream. Obviously, it's unlikely, but it's still pretty cool to think about."

For more information on MGCCC's 10 intercollegiate athletic teams, follow @MGCCCAthletics on Twitter and BulldogLIVE on Facebook, and go to mgcccbulldogs.com.