September 21, 2021

The Warrior offense was firing on all cylinders on Friday afternoon, Sept. 17, as East Central Community College's men's soccer team defeated William Carey University's JV team, 3-0. The non-division victory moves ECCC to 1-5-1, 0-2, on the year, and gives the Warriors some momentum heading into a big MACCC North Division match against Holmes this Tuesday. 

"I thought our boys played well today. They were patient in possession and took their opportunities," said ECCC head coach Ethan Paschal. "We still have plenty to improve but this is something to build on."

The Warriors controlled possession for nearly all of the first half as the offense showed a strong presence on the pitch. The intensive offensive pressure finally paid off 15 minutes into the opening half, as Jashil Vithal (Johannesburg, South Africa) dribble straight through the heart of the Crusaders' defense and fired a goal. The touch put ECCC on top, 1-0. With just one minute remaining in the half, as the rain began to fall in Decatur, Thomas Phelps (Gautier) finished off a great pass from Davi Amorim (Fortaleza, Brazil) for the second goal of the match. The goal was Phelps' first of the season and took the Warriors to the locker room with a 2-0 advantage. 

The rain finally let up in the second half, but the Warriors' offense did not. 15 minutes into the half Paxton Anders (Meridian) poured in his first collegiate goal. The score grew the Warrior advantage to 3-0. The Crusaders picked up the pressure in the final minutes of the contest, but the Warrior defense dug in their heels, and keeper Chase Graham(Vicksburg) made a couple of great saves to secure the shutout. 

The Warriors take on the Holmes Bulldogs in Decatur on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 3 p.m. Fans that can not make it to the game can watch the action live at www.eccclive.com/gold