GULF COAST DIVISION

 

 

Pensacola, Florida –  The Southern States Soccer Club Stars will host the NPSL South Region, Gulf Coast Conference play-off final at the Oakes in Hattiesburg on Saturday, Kick-off at 7:30 pm.

The Stars traveled to Pensacola to take on the home team in the play-off semi-final Wednesday night and returned with a huge scalp. #2 seed Pensacola had beaten the Stars home and away during the regular season with the Stars failing to net a goal against the Florida based team.

That all changed yesterday as the Star’s Tom Shepherd ran clear inside the first minute of the game to put the Stars ahead.  Pensacola fought back and leveled the score at 1-1 on a penalty-kick awarded against Danny Reynolds midway through the first half. It was a blow to the Stars who were on top at the time.

However, before the half was up Reynolds made amends by firing home a 25-yard free-kick to put the Stars in front to stay.

A tense game ensued in the second period with both teams having chances. Hector Grejeda in the Star’s goal made a number of big saves and late on the home team were denied by the crossbar, the header bouncing away to safety.

Despite the late push by Pensacola the Stars held firm and deserved their victory, setting up a fascinating encounter with New Orleans who toppled the #1 seed Jacksonville Armada in Jacksonville by 3-1.

 

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