2008 MCC Soccer Preview

It’s hard for Alex George to hide his smile these days. The soccer coach at Meridian Community College just can’t seem to tone down his excitement for the upcoming soccer season.

“This year feels like a breath of fresh air,” said George, in reference to the direction of the MCC soccer program for 2008.

“Not only did we have one of the best recruiting classes since I’ve been here, but we’re returning a lot of key players from last years squad.”

Last year’s MCC Lady Eagles team went 15-2-2 and won the programs first ever South Division title and the 2007 MACJC State Championship.

“Our leading scorer Holly Head is returning. She was named All Region 23 last year and is very explosive offensively for us,” said George.

In addition to key returning players for the Lady Eagles, George is excited about the freshmen that report to campus August 1.

“Christina Murray is a high profile Jamaican soccer player who is inline to earn a spot on the Jamaican national team one day,” said George.

“She’ll be headlining one of the best recruiting classes ever here at MCC.”

On the men’s side, Matt Clifton returns to head the Eagles squad that went 11-5-1 last year en route to a Runner-Up finish in the South Division.

“I’m equally as excited about our men’s team too,” said George

“There’s just so much optimism in the entire athletic department as a whole right now.”

George may be feeling that optimism a bit more these days, not only because he’s returning a championship team from last year, but because the soccer field may actually feel like “home sweet home” to him this year.

The MCC’s Board of Trustees recently named the soccer facility in honor C.D. Smith, who has served over 17 years as a trustee of the college.

“MCC has enjoyed an outstanding tradition in soccer,” said MCC President, Dr. Scott Elliott who also is sharing in the excitement about the 2008 soccer season.

“I believe MCC is the only junior college in Mississippi to ever win a national title in men’s soccer, and our women won their first-ever state championship last fall under Coach Alex George. Having C.D.’s name officially associated with the program adds to its esteem. We’re really looking forward to the upcoming fall season at MCC at C.D. Smith Field.”

In addition to a new name for the soccer field, MCC is adding a state of the art press box for the soccer field that will be a great addition for the program.

“The new press box will house the concession stand, bathrooms, PA/broadcasting booth, audio/video equipment, pavilion, observation decks, coach’s offices and much more,” said George.

“The addition of this facility will add great comfort, amenities and excitement for our fans.’

George also added that plans are underway for a new dressing facility/locker rooms for the soccer teams to begin this fall.

In addition to the facility upgrades, the coaching staff received an “official” upgrade this off-season. The MCC Board of Trustees approved Michael Smith as the new full time assistant soccer coach for MCC, once again, to the excitement of Alex George.

“I couldn’t be more grateful to Dr. Elliott and the Board of Trustees for having the insight in hiring an assistant coach,” said George

For the past five seasons, George had been in charge of two teams with over 50 total players by himself. Now, with the addition an assistant, he won’t have to go it alone.

“Michael is no stranger to the Meridian program. In fact, he played for me at West Lauderdale in 2000 where we went 24-6 and won the State Championship,” said George.

“After West Lauderdale, he played for MCC in 2000-01 and won a National Championship and for three seasons he’s been the volunteer assistant coach at MCC, I’m just beyond excited that he’s here. Michael brings a ton of knowledge to the table and the players already know and respect him.”

MCC fans have a chance to meet the new assistant coach, along with the 2008 Lady Eagles and Eagles and see the new facilities on “Eagle Day.” August 16, MCC will host Jones County in a pre-season contest at 5 p.m. at C.D. Smith Field, but before the game kicks-off a slew of festivities are slated all day for families, friends and fans of the MCC soccer team.

“Come on out and eat some BBQ, get a t-shirt, cap, listen to music, have a blast and then watch us kick some… soccer balls,” said George about the Eagle Day activities which are scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. with the field dedication on August 16.


Eagle Day Schedule
Saturday, August 16
MCC soccer Field
1:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m C.D. Smith Field Dedication
2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m BBQ Tailgate Lunch; Raffle, door prizes, give-a-ways; and Player introductions
5:00 p.m. Lady Eagles vs. Jones Co.
7:00 p.m. Eagles vs. Jones Co.