Versatile Gulf Coast loaded for 2016

PERKINSTON – The best comparison for Mississippi Gulf Coast men's soccer coach Chris Handy's 2016 Bulldogs might be a Swiss Army knife.

Many seasons, he thought he had a team 14 or 15 deep. This year, he expects to be able to play the full 25-man roster. And that depth comes with versatility, with a slew players who can play up and down and across the field.

"In theory, we should have an answer to all problems," Handy said. "We may line up against somebody that we don't have an answer for, but right now, we have a lot of solutions on the roster."

The Bulldogs open play Friday when Itawamba visit Perkinston. The men's game at the newly renovated MGCCC Soccer Complex is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. They turn around Saturday and play San Jacinto at 5 p.m., also at Perk.

A discussion of what formation he'll use quickly points out that versatility. Handy, who has compiled a 44-24-5 record in four seasons at Gulf Coast, thinks they'll defend in a 4-5-1 and morph into a 3-4-3 on the attack. He's got lineups where the talent lends itself to a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2, where the Bulldogs can attack weaknesses and defend strengths.

Bryce Yelverton (6-3, 195, so., Gulfport) returns at keeper for Gulf Coast. He started 12 games last year with a 1.90 goals-against average, winning an MACJC Goalkeeper of the Week award along the way.

Handy rattles off nine different defenders when he starts working his way up the field. Michael Graham (5-9, 160, so., Stone) and Alan Vasquez (5-9, 155, so. Kosciusko) bring a season's worth of experience back, helping to guide Aarin Johnson (6-2, 190, fr., Luton, England), Zykeyous Hawkins (5-10, 165, fr., Jackson Academy) and Windham Whatley (5-8, 155, fr., Florence) through their first season in the MACJC.

He's happy to have Bennett Bates (5-10, 180, fr., West Harrison) back from an ACL injury, joining newcomers Ian Story (6-3, 185, so., Pass Christian) and Case Sloan (5-11, 150, fr., Stone).

James Beattie (5-7, 155, so., Glasgow, Scotland) returns off a stellar first seasons. He had 13 goals and 11 assists last season, playing in part in nearly half the Bulldogs' goals. Beattie is expected to play wide this year after spending 2015 in the middle of the field and up top.

"He didn't stand out as much in preseason this year as he did in last year," Handy said. "He's not so far ahead of the rest of the team, and that's more about the rest of the team. He was so good last year."

He anchors an expanded international presence on the roster with MACJC rule changes. Four of them are now allowed, and he'll play alongside Liam Eadsforth (5-11, 140, fr., Manchester, England) and Jordan Hall (5-10, 153, fr., Manchester) and in front of Johnson.

"To have those guys who can come in and do different thing and show local guys the way, it's huge," Handy said. "I think it's going to be a fun year."

Matt Ross (6-0, 160, so., Horn Lake) has been impressive in the preseason, with locals Gage Switzer (5-5, 145, fr., Gulfport), Caleb Counselman (5-10, 163, fr., Pass Christian) and Matt Edwards (5-11, 175, fr., Pass Christian) in the mix. Counselman figures to be one of the players who moves around to different positions because of his mix of talents.

Tylor Davis (6-0, 164, fr., West Harrison) should lead the attack. He's lightning fast and good in front of goal.

"With his pace and ability to finish and his ability to play off of James and Liam," Handy said, "I think he's going to have a really good year."

Austin Miller (5-11, 175, fr., St. Stanislaus) will get some run up top, as well as Johnson.

"I don't think the roster has a lot of limitations," Handy said. "That's very exciting as a coach to know you can basically do what you want if you're smart enough to put the guys where they're supposed to go."

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