MCC men defeated in a shootout

(RAYMOND, Miss) - The Meridian Community College men's soccer team faced a tall challenge in playing the No. 1 team from the North Division, home standing Hinds Community College in the semifinal game of the MACJC State soccer tournament Saturday night.

Hinds had defeated the Eagles soundly back in September at Meridian's Rush Classic, 6-0 making a victory for MCC in this playoff game seemingly even more difficult.

Matt Clifton scored the first goal of the game and put MCC up 1-0 early but a Hinds goal late in the first half made it 1-1 at halftime.

The second half remained scoreless and for the second time in one day, MCC head coach Alex George coached MCC in overtime with the season on the line.

Earlier in the day MCC's women won their game in overtime to advance into the championship game and the Eagles were trying to join them.

Things got more intense when neither team scored in overtime and the game was sent into a shootout.

With a MACJC State Championship game appearance on the line, MCC missed their first shot and made every other shot after, but Hinds was perfect and defeated MCC 6-5 in the shootout to advance into the championship game and end MCC's season.

"I am proud of this team," said George.

"This was one of the most intense games I've ever seen, its a shame either team had to lose."