May 14, 2021
The East Central Community College Warriors wrapped up the 2020-21 season Friday, May 14, with a tough loss to the Hinds Eagles, the MACCC North Division winners, 3-2. The loss drops the Warriors to a 4-7-2 overall record on the year. Hinds finished the regular season 7-4.
Just six minutes into the contest ECCC's Raphael Salles (San Paulo, Brazil) put the ball in the back of the net to put ECCC on top early, 1-0. Late in the first half, the Eagles found the equalizer to tie the match, 1-1, before quickly scoring again just moments later. The Eagles took their 2-1 lead into the break.
In the second half, a beautiful ball from Kai VanCourt (Long Beach) was headed in by Jorge Ruedas (Ripley) to once again bring the match even, this time at 2-2.
With just 10:15 remaining in the contest, Hinds scored a go-ahead goal, giving the Eagles a 3-2 lead.
The match served as ECCC's head coach Kenneth Thompson's final game as he announced his retirement prior to the start of the season. Before kickoff, Thompson was honored on the field with his family in attendance.
