PENSACOLA, Fla. — The Mississippi College men's soccer team opened Gulf South Conference play with a disappointing 5-2 loss to West Florida on Friday evening at the UWF Soccer Complex.
The Choctaws (2-2-1, 0-1-0 GSC) fell behind early when UWF's Jaime Guillén scored just 5:20 into the match, assisted by Jack Patching. However, Mississippi College quickly responded with a goal from Lewis Matton in the 18th minute, leveling the score at 1-1. Denis O. John then put the Choctaws ahead with a strike in the 34th minute, giving Mississippi College a brief lead at 2-1.
The momentum shifted in the second half, as West Florida (2-2-0, 1-0-0 GSC) regained control. Marcus Pereira equalized with a penalty kick in the 62nd minute, followed by two additional goals from Guillén, who completed his hat trick in the 64th and 82nd minutes. Kendrick Hernandez also added a goal for UWF in the 79th minute.
Mississippi College managed to put up eight shots, five of which were on target, but struggled to find the back of the net in the second half. UWF dominated the shot count with 18 attempts, 11 of which were on goal.
Goalkeeper Carlos Viquez made six saves for the Choctaws, but it wasn't enough to stem the tide of the Argonauts' offensive onslaught.
Looking ahead, Mississippi College will seek redemption on Sunday, September 22, as they travel to face Spring Hill College at 3:30 p.m.
