May is here, which means the 2019 GCPL season is finally upon us. This Friday night’s kickoff will be one for the history books as Hattisburg FC looks to make a statement in their first ever matchup in the GCPL. The milestone matchup won’t come against an easy opponent, but rather Port City FC, the team that hoisted the GCPL Cup trophy just last year.
“We are extremely excited about kicking off our inaugural season within the GCPL,” Executive Director of Hattisburg FC Drew Sides commented. “We have a great opportunity right out the gate to showcase our talent on a Friday night against the defending champions, Port City FC. I really don’t think we could of asked for a better scenario to kick the season off. I know that Port City will be looking to build off last years success, however we are confident in our team and look to make a statement in week one.”
Hattisburg FC Head Coach Barry Farrell also believes that his club has what it takes to go head to head against the reigning champions in their inaugural season opener. “The expectations are high going into the first game. Port City has a lot more pressure on them coming into this game than Hattiesburg. They will want to continue from last year, as they had a great year. I feel Hattiesburg has a squad that can compete straight away with the top teams in the league.”
William Carey Crusader Stadium. Home field of Hattiesburg FC.
Even though these two teams have never faced off against each other in the GCPL, they are far too familiar with one another. Both teams will features players from William Carey University’s Men’s Soccer team, so as you would expect there has been a lot of buzz between the players in the days leading up to their first game of the season.
President of Port City FC Steve Simkins has also heard about the buzz that has been going around and expects a heated rivalry to form between these two squads during Friday night’s match.
“Both head coaches are former William Carey all-Americans, and players from both squads have been friends and teammates for years. With Hattiesburg FC full of William Carey talent, it should be quite a battle. One could expect quite a future rivalry between the two clubs, and quite a bit of trash talking on the field this Friday night.”
One of the players to watch for on Hattisburg FC is Matias Pazos, a ball playing midfielder from William Carey University who has the ability to score goals and take over the game. In the backfield for HFC, all eyes will be on Logan Stone, a very good young defender who is also captain of the u19 HFC team. Coach Barry expects the young defender to see a lot of playing time for HFC during their upcoming season.
Jordan Hall of Port City FC celebrates after scoring in the 2018 GCPL Cup.
Port City FC will also feature some serious talent as they look to continue their great success from last year. The team will be led by powerful and relentless striker, Jordan Hall. Hall is an elite Division I college player who topped the Big 10 list for goals scored last year. Supporting Hall at the midfielder position is Patrick Harrison, last year’s reigning league MVP. He is a quick and strong player who can create something out of nothing. Holding it down in the back field for Port City is Joe Guinchard, a tidy and composed center back who commands the back line.
The long awaited match is scheduled to be played on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. on Hattisburg FC’s home turf at William Carey University’s Crusader Field. Surely, this will be the game to watch for this weeks soccer action and you definitely don’t want to miss it.
This Game of the Week feature is sponsored by Third Coast Soccer. The largest retail soccer store in the gulf south. Visit www.thirdcoastsoccer.net today!
