By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
May 9, 2002
The Meridian Fire, a boys 14-and-under soccer team, won the Tide Mississippi America Cup in Tupelo last weekend.
The Tide Mississippi America Cup represents the Mississippi State Championship for youth soccer.
The Fire, coached by Bobby Sherrill, defeated Pearl 1-0 in the championship game. The Fire won all four of its games and allowed just one goal in claiming the TMA Cup.
Three other Meridian teams made it to the finals in other divisions. The Russell Super Sonaks finished second in the TMA Cup in the boys 16-and-under. Duke Wilson's Fusion team was runner-up in another 14-and-under boys division. The Meridian Knights finished second in the TMA Cup for the boys 12-and-under division.
Sherrill credited his entire team for the outstanding effort in the state tournament. The Fire opened with wins over Clinton (6-0), Amory (6-0), Bay St. Louis (5-1) and finally Pearl (1-0) in the finals.
Matthew Thomas led the Fire with six goals scored.
Striker/center Cameron Sherrill scored three goals and had three assists for the Fire. Striker Austin Scoggin had three goals.
Neil Robinson was credited for his energetic play.
Playing midfield for the Fire were Merritt Barry, Brandon Bennett and Josh Demers. Stoppers included Brice Ford, Chris Jennings, Jon McCormick and Dimitri Uhl. Kevin McKissack was the sweeper and Alex Lisi played fullback.
The Meridian Knights won the Mississippi Youth Soccer Association Central District title and then went on to place second the state tournament in Tupelo.
Team members for the Knights include Tyler Blackwell, Kaleb Brown, Ryan Clifford, Kaleb Kitchens, Andrew Reau, Derrick Sullivan, Logan Rush, Andrew Watkins, Daniel Ospina, Henry Hooper, Chad Roberts, Ryan Covington, assistant coach Michael Smith and head coach Jerry McReynolds.