Gulf Coast ready to face Jones

PERKINSTON — The 2016 MACJC men's soccer season has already seen some unusual results, only one game into the South Division schedule.

"With the influx of internationals, it makes every game in doubt," Gulf Coast coach Chris Handy said. "It flips the league on its head. There's been a lot of odd results that in years past you wouldn't have seen."

The Bulldogs (2-1) won their South opener at Pearl River and face another test Tuesday when Jones County (0-2, 0-1) visits the new MGCCC Soccer Complex. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Both teams have full complements of four internationals. Gulf Coast has three from England and one from Scotland; Jones has two from England and two from Northern Ireland.

"We approach every game as a must-win, a difficult game," Handy said. "This will be similar to Pearl River. When those guys walk on this campus, they want to get a result."

Gulf Coast hasn't allowed a goal in two games against MACJC teams. Three players on the back line have contributed to that success: Bennett Bates (5-10, 180, Fr.,West Harrison/Gulfport), Ian Story (6-2, 185, So., Pass Christian/Gulfport) and Case Sloan (5-11, 155, Fr., Stone/Wiggins).

"That trio has been super important to the shutout at Pearl River," Handy said, "as well as the shutout against Itawamba and having early success against San Jacinto."

The Bulldogs haven't been a prolific offensively against MACJC competition as they'd hoped, but if Bates, Story, Sloan and the rest of the defenders keep up their end, Handy thinks good things are in store.

"If they do their jobs in the back, I'm confident we can win games," he said. "I'm confident we can score at least one goal if those guys can keep it out."

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