Lady Eagles Ready To Start The 2019 Season

The Meridian Community College Lady Eagles Soccer team enters the 2019 season looking to improve on their 2018 record. The Lady Eagles will depend on established returning starters and newcomers to build upon their 4-11-1 2018 record.

Head Coach Mike Smith heads into his eighth season at the helm for the Lady Eagles. The Lady Eagles picked up a win and a tie in two preseason exhibition games. With four returning starters the Lady Eagles will rely on several first-time starters this season.

“We’ve got a lot more speed than in years past. We are more technically sound so we will be able to play a prettier style of soccer as compared to last year where we had to play a more direct style.” Said MCC Head Coach Mike Smith.

The Lady Eagles are led by team captains Rebecca Gregory and Kristen Robertson. The two sophomores were elected team captains by their teammates. In addition to Gregory and Robertson, Coach Smith thinks Lexie Taylor and Mara Shelton have a lot of leadership abilities and will look for them to be leaders on the field as well.

Sophie Roberts and Mia Mugford are expected to contribute offensively for the Lady Eagles. Mugford and Roberts both scored goals for the Lady Eagles during the opening exhibition game against Hinds. Emma Boswijk and Brynn Boutwell will be called upon this season to help anchor midfield for the Lady Eagles.

Freshman Leia Carter will open the season at goalkeeper for the Lady Eagles. Her excellent play in goal helped the Lady Eagles record a shutout against East Central in exhibition play.

“Our players have come together as a team and that is something that we did not have last season. I’m really pleased with how everything is going so far and am looking forward to getting the season started,” said Smith

The Lady Eagles will get the season started Friday, August 23 as they travel to Dyersburg State. The Lady Eagles will begin MACJC play Friday, August 30 at Pearl River Community College. Eagles fans will have plenty of opportunities to watch the Lady Eagles as they will host six home games this season. All of those games will also be available to watch at mcceagleslive.com.