Fortenberry’s late strike secures title for Hattiesburg FC

Foley, AL (July 30th, 2023) – In scorching conditions at Foley Sports Tourism Stadium in Foley, AL, on Saturday, July 29th, fans witnessed an exhilarating battle as Mississippi Blues clashed with Hattiesburg FC in the 2023 Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) Cup Women’s Final. With the temperature soaring to a blazing 93 degrees at kickoff, both teams displayed unwavering determination, but it was Hattiesburg FC who emerged victorious after a stunning comeback, claiming the coveted championship title.

Mississippi Blues, the reigning west conference champions and 2022 GCPL Cup finalists, started the match with a bang, as Cariel Ellis found the back of the net twice within the opening twenty minutes. The Hattiesburg defense was caught off guard by Ellis’s clinical finishing, and it seemed as though the Blues were in control early on. However, Hattiesburg FC quickly regrouped and began to assert their dominance.

Alyssia Davis’s well-timed goal just before halftime provided a lifeline for Hattiesburg FC. The momentum shifted, and the star of the match, Karen Vilau, took charge of the midfield, orchestrating Hattiesburg’s attacks. With each passing minute, Hattiesburg FC grew stronger, gradually seizing control of the tempo and dictating play in the second half.

In the 58th minute, Virginia Molina’s composed finish brought Hattiesburg FC level, sending their supporters into a frenzy. The momentum had now firmly swung in favor of the east conference champions, who continued to press forward relentlessly. Hattiesburg’s attacking prowess kept Mississippi Blues on the back foot, with Karen Vilau’s creativity and vision proving instrumental in their resurgence.

As the match entered its final stages, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Mississippi Blues, who had briefly lost their rhythm, managed to mount a resurgence of their own, creating several promising opportunities around the 80th-minute mark. Cariel Ellis, the early protagonist, came agonizingly close to regaining her scoring touch, narrowly missing the target.

In a heart-stopping turn of events, a last-ditch tackle from Hattiesburg FC’s defense denied Ellis what could have been a match-winning chance. With the clock ticking down, both teams were engaged in an intense battle for supremacy, fully aware of the stakes at hand.

Then, in the 89th minute, as the game appeared destined for extra time, Amber Fortenberry etched her name into the annals of GCPL history. Fortenberry’s clinical strike shattered the hopes of Mississippi Blues and sent Hattiesburg FC supporters into raptures. The comeback was complete, and Hattiesburg had remarkably turned the tide in their favor.

Despite a spirited effort from Mississippi Blues in the dying moments of the second half, Hattiesburg FC’s resolute defense held firm. The final whistle brought both elation and heartbreak as Hattiesburg FC emerged triumphant with a 3-2 victory, securing the GCPL Cup Women’s title in a match that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

Article written by Kartik Krishnaiyer, writer for Behind the 90′ and World Soccer Talk.