HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Choctaws fell to West Florida 2-0 on Sunday at the John Hunt Soccer Complex. Despite recording seven shots on goal, MC was unable to find the back of the net against West Florida's defense. MC will now await their NCAA postseason fate on Monday night for the NCAA Selection show beginning at 6 pm.
Mississippi College and the University of West Florida engaged in a defensive battle in the first half of the GSC Championship Game, with neither team managing to find the back of the net. Mississippi College's
Sergio Garrido had an early attempt saved by West Florida goalkeeper Edward Alonzi in the 2nd minute. West Florida's Manu Bernabeu was active in the attack, taking multiple shots, including one that hit the right woodwork in the 5th minute. Mississippi College goalkeeper
Cole Turner made crucial saves, including a stop on a bottom-center shot from Adrian Rodriguez in the 18th minute. Both defenses held strong, resulting in a scoreless draw at the end of the half.
West Florida secured a 2-0 victory over the Choctaws in the second half with two decisive goals. The first goal came in the 79th minute when Adrian Rodriguez scored, assisted by Nikolas Rodriguez Alzate. West Florida extended their lead in the 84th minute with a goal from Kendrick Hernandez. MC attempted to respond with several shots on goal, including efforts by Garrido and
Alvaro Pena, but West Florida's goalkeeper Edward Alonzi made crucial saves to maintain the shutout.
The opening half commenced with MC establishing a defensive presence as Turner made crucial saves, notably stopping a bottom center attempt by Rodriguez in the 18th minute. Despite facing pressure from West Florida, who tallied multiple shots, Turner's efforts kept the visitors off the scoreboard. The Blue and Gold generated offensive opportunities, including a shot by
Patrick Vukoje saved by Alonzi, maintaining a competitive pace throughout the half.
The Choctaws managed to hold West Florida scoreless as the half concluded, with
Russell Berko's attempt going wide left in the 38th minute. The teams entered halftime with the game still level at 0-0, reflecting a balanced contest.
The second half commenced with MC seeking to capitalize on their home advantage. Early pressure was applied by Garrido, who tested the West Florida goalkeeper with a shot saved in the 45th minute. Despite multiple offensive efforts from The Blue and Gold, including attempts from
Daniel Richards and
Angel Carceles, they were unable to find the back of the net.
West Florida managed to break through in the 79th minute with a goal from Rodriguez, assisted by Nikolas Rodriguez Alzate, establishing a 1-0 lead. Minutes later, Kendrick Hernandez extended the lead for West Florida, making it 2-0. MC continued to press forward, but their efforts were consistently thwarted by the opposing goalkeeper. The half concluded with MC unable to narrow the deficit, ending the game 2-0 in favor of West Florida.
Cole Turner recorded five saves over 90 minutes, facing 18 shots. Garrido registered three shots, with two on target.
Angel Carceles added two shots, including one on goal. Vukoje managed one shot, which was on target.
Mississippi Col. Top Performers
Cole Turner
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- five saves
Sergio Garrido
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- three shots
- two shots on goal
Angel Carceles
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- two shots
- one shot on goal
MC holds an overall record of 13-2-4, including a 9-0-2 mark in conference play. West Florida boasts a 13-1-5 overall record and a 7-0-4 record in conference play.
