Taylor’s twin tallies top Eagles

Mississippi Gulf Coast men's soccer coach Chris Handy used terms like effort, production, workrate and attitude to describe Ashton Taylor's efforts Thursday afternoon on the road at Meridian.

The Bulldogs won 2-0 thanks to a pair of goals by the freshman Swiss Army knife from Olive Branch.

"Guys like Ashton and Kevin (Treminio) who are grittier and maybe not as much flash, they were the ones who got the job today," Gulf Coast coach Chris Handy said. "It's about workrate and effort. That's how we got our goals. It's not that the first guys played poorly, but in a game like this and a season like this, sometimes you need a little bit more grit."

Gulf Coast's win coupled with Jones' victory over Pearl River put the three teams in a tie for first in the MACCC at 4-2. The Bulldogs are 7-2 overall.

Taylor got his first goal in the 60th minute thanks to an assist from Alwayne Whittaker (Fr., Biloxi/Biloxi). Christian Inchima (So., Brampton Ontario/St. Edmond Campion) set up his second nine minutes later.

Handy praised Taylor for being willing to do anything and everything. He's played centerback, right wingback and midfield, and excelled at each spot. Taylor makes himself conspicuous tracking back on defense, and the soccer gods gave him scoring opportunities at Meridian.

"Ashton is a winner," Handy said. "He deserved to be praised for the plays he makes because he's been making them all year. He won the game."

Gulf Coast will get a chance to break the logjam at the top Tuesday when Jones visits Perkinston. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Bary Thrash Field.

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