MERIDIAN —
For the second-straight year, the Southeast Lauderdale boys soccer team's season was cut short by South Pontotoc, as the Tigers fell 4-1 to the Cougars at home on Thursday night.
“I felt like we had a chance to advance and we didn't,” Southeast head coach Mike Thomas said. “This team will be back intact next year. We exceeded expectations this year, we won the district, and we have a lot to build on for next year.”
The difference in the game came down to ball control – something the young Southeast team could not maintain early on.
The Tigers were unable to get anything started on offense in the first half, allowing the Cougars to keep the ball on the Southeast half and create scoring opportunities.
Seven minutes into the game, the Cougars would make Southeast pay. After maneuvering his way past a Southeast defender, South Pontotoc's Cole Caples broke towards the box, were he crossed the ball to Matt Collums who buried it in the back of the net to put the Cougars up 1-0.
“We knew when we came in here tonight we were going to have to play hard and win the ball,” South Pontotoc head coach Horace McCoy said. “We were able to do that tonight. That was big, to score early. Southeast's keeper was fantastic, he blocked some shots we've made all year. He may be the best goalie I've seen all year.”
Southeast keeper, Noah Johnson did his best to prevent the damage, stopping 10 shots on the night. However, the Cougars would continue to stock pile opportunities.
After heading into halftime up 1-0, South Pontotoc delivered another blow six minutes into the second half. The Cougars' Ramiro Rangel found Sam Ivy, who jumped to kick the ball mid-air, beating Johnson and increasing the South Pontotoc lead to 2-0.
The Cougars would get another goal on a penalty kick 14 minutes later, before Ivy tacked on his second goal of the night with 10:51 to play to give South Pontotoc a commanding 4-0 lead.
“I thought I had a pretty good night, but I give all the credit to my team,” Ivy said. “They passed me the ball real well, and we were getting good shots all night.”
Despite being down 4-0, the Tigers refused to let up. Southeast kept battling all night and was rewarded in the game's final minutes, when Ryder Leifried broke away from the defense and knocked the ball into the net to prevent the shutout.
“I just wanted to show the other team that we weren't going to quit,” Leifried said. “We were going hard the whole entire game.”
South Pontotoc will move on to round three where they will face the winner of Saturday's matchup between Forrest and Philadelphia.
For Southeast, the focus turns to next year, as the Tigers return all but one of their players from this season and appear poised to make another run into the playoffs.
“It was great playing with all these guys this season,” Johnson said. “All these guys, we had the most heart out of anyone. You can mark my words, next year we will be back in the same position, but in Clinton playing for the state championship.”
Sports
Southeast boys lose 4-1 to South Pontotoc
- Sports
-
-
Fundamentals leading Newton County to Jackson
In 2006, Newton County baseball won the 3A state title. Since then, they've moved up a class but haven't had much luck – until now.
-
Roy takes over as football head coach at Clarkdale
After nine years serving as an assistant on the Clarkdale football coaching staff, Wes Roy proudly considers himself a Bulldog. The coach has not only grown to love the team and its players, but also the Clarkdale community itself.
-
Bennett stays on as softball coach at Clarkdale
In one season as the interim coach for the Clarkdale softball team, Britt Bennett has gone through what most coaches go through in a career. Over the past year, Clarkdale has dealt with the death of two students, a coaching scandal and the departure of two star players.
-
Titles nothing new for Newton County
Newton County captured its seventh fast-pitch state championship, outscoring defending champion Houston 26-3 in two games. The Cougars took home the title despite not having a single senior on their roster –– still, few were surprised.
-
Embry completes 5A title sweep
In his first year coaching the Neshoba Central softball team, Trae Embry won two state titles but wouldn't take all the credit.
-
Morgan takes runner-up at Nationals
Meridian Community College golfer, TJ Morgan, from Bruce, MS, tied for the
individual medalist at the NJCAA D1 National Championship held in Lubbock, TX, but lost on the first hole of a playoff. TJ shot 7 under for the tournament with a 76 on the first day followed by 68, 67 and a last round 70. Aksel Olsen from Wallace State Community College won the playoff. TJ was named First Team All-American for his high finish. -
MSU’s Renfroe wins Ferriss Trophy
The first time Mississippi State coach John Cohen saw Hunter Renfroe play baseball, he marveled at his natural ability.
Three years later, he's also in awe of his work ethic. -
(PHOTOS) Enterprise in the Class 2A State Championship
Slideshow of Enterprise in the Class 2A State Championship fast pitch series.
-
(PHOTOS) Newton County wins Class 4A
Slideshow of Newton County in the Class 4A State Championship fast pitch series.
-
(PHOTOS) Neshoba wins Class 5A
Slideshow of Neshoba Central in the Class 5A State Championship fast pitch series.
- More Sports Headlines
-
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
Former Rep. Weiner Running for New York Mayor
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Families Begin Returning to Their Homes in Moore
Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Protests Outside Cincinnati IRS Office
New Xbox One Entertainment Console Unveiled
