MCC soccer team optimistic about season

By By Ryan Satcher / staff writer
Aug. 25, 2002
The Meridian Community Eagles lost a lot of players off last year's soccer team, but are looking to do well again this season.
The Eagles have been focusing on getting in very good shape for the year and also have worked on doing the fundamental things well.
Chase Keely of Meridian will be leading the defense from sweeper. Kyle Boykin, also from Meridian, will work a lot in at stopper. Heath Rush of Meridian, Troy Webb from Brandon, and Matthew Joyce of Clinton will be fullbacks for the team.
The team should also be very solid at the keeper position. Chris Duncan joins the team from Clinton and will share time with Jordan Sims in goal. Both should be very strong in net.
MCC should also be strong in the midfield. The team is about two-men deep in all of the midfield spots.
Brian Bledsoe of Clinton and Brandon Rodgers of Meridian will be the two anchors of the midfield. Bledsoe was a standout at Clinton High School and Rodgers was a big part of the success of the West Lauderdale Knights last season. Coach George expects much of the same from them this year.
The Eagles should also have strong offense this season. Signees Benton Dufour and former West Lauderdale Knight Josh Murphy will play up front. Sophomore Brian Stringer is also very tough up front and will see a lot of action.
Meridian will compete in the against Gulf Coast, Co-Lin, Jones County and Pearl River in the South Division this season. The Eagles will also play Wallace-Hanceville to open the season this Wednesday. The schedule should be challenging but should also be very exciting.
MCC will play its first home game on Friday when it hosts Hinds Community College at 6 p.m.