Port City FC emerged as 2018 GCPL Champions after dishing a 4-0 drubbing to Cajun Soccer Club at Lipscomb Field Saturday night.
On a cloudy and breezy evening in Mobile, AL the game started out favoring Cajun SC who looked to be content with holding possession in their half of the field. In the 7th minute the Lafayette outfit’s strategy paid off finding themselves in the driver’s seat after an early cross from Josh Hughes to Austin Clause was executed but called offside. Shortly after in the 11th minute, Port City’s top goalscorer, Jordan Hall, turned provider for Jarred Ardé with a long diagonal ball which Ardé controlled with his chest and fired a low shot into the far side netting, giving Port City the lead.
Port City FC celebrate after first goal at Archbishop Lipscomb Stadium in Mobile, AL on July 28, 2018. Photo courtesy of Seth Laubinger
The goal provided to be a blow for the Cajun’s who seemed to unravel after allowing a second Port City goal in the 29th minute by Nate Hodges. Harrison Russell whipped a corner into the box which found Hodges who rose highest to thump the ball past Cajun’s keeper. The remainder of the half contained a couple of chances for both teams but neither could finish them off.
The second half saw both teams with a few chances with Port City comfortably keeping the Cajun’s at bay. The 74th minute Ethan Loftin found space down the right flank and slotted it home passed Cajun keeper, Zach Elegamy,putting the Sounders one step closer to the championship!
Josh Hughes of Cajun shields Caleb Counselman of Port City at Archbishop Lipscomb Stadium in Mobile, AL on July 28, 2018. Photo courtesy of Seth Laubinger
Minutes later, some late heroics by Brandon Briscoe were on display as he rang the crossbar with a powerful shot from the top of the box almost giving Cajun a smidgen of hope. But the icing on the cake came when Cajun’s, Jacob Cunningham, received a red card with just minutes left and a rocket of a free kick taken by Port City’s Jordan Hall found the back of the net.
Port City FC becomes the third team to win the Gulf Coast Premier League, the second from Mississippi.
