MGCCC moves into national soccer poll

PERKINSTON — Mississippi Gulf Coast moved into the National Soccer Coaches Association of America men's poll this week at No. 17.

It's the first time the Bulldogs (10-1, 6-0 MACJC South) have been in the poll in the five seasons Chris Handy has been the coach. He looks at the achievement with two different approaches.

"In the short term, it means nothing," he said. "In the long term, it means a lot. We always try to do the right thing to set ourselves apart. To have that be recognized nationally means a lot for our current players, as well as the players that came before them."

The Bulldogs are riding a nine-game winning streak after their only loss of the season to No. 12 San Jacinto. They are in first in the South Division, making the new MGCCC Soccer Complex the likely host for the state tournament later this month.

In its six division games, Gulf Coast has outscored the opposition 29-3. The Bulldogs have been listed in the "others receiving votes" category of the NJCAA Division I poll the last three weeks.

According to the NSCCA, it's the first time Gulf Coast has been ranked in the poll dating back to 1997, when their records begin.

"Each year, we try to build on the year before," Handy said. "I think getting to this point started three or four years ago. Obviously, we're very proud of it and our players are, too."

For more information on MGCCC's 10 intercollegiate athletic teams, follow @MGCCCAthletics on Twitter and BulldogLIVE on Facebook, and go to mgcccbulldogs.com.