Published: June 21, 2009 10:06 pm      

Meridian United claims State Games gold

The Meridian Youth Soccer Organization United, a 16-and-under girls soccer team, finally made it over its State Games of Mississippi hump on Sunday afternoon.

The United, which earned the silver medal in each of the previous two Games, downed the Madison Tsunamis 1-0 in the gold-medal game at Northeast Park.

"It was a pretty good game," United coach Eric Ferry said. "We had beat them two other times times this year and both were close games. Then we beat them 3-0 yesterday. It was a tough game."

After both teams played nearly a full game without finding the goal, Mary Margaret Arrington scored on an assist by McKenzie Cobb to put the United up 1-0.

Cobb, who typically plays goalkeeper for the United, scored her first-ever goal earlier in the State Games and finished the tournament with two scores and the assist on the tournament-clinching goal.

Erika Joyner kept the shutout intact as the United claimed its first State Games gold.

"Erika definitely had a good game," Ferry said. "This was a great way to end the season."

The United played in only three tournaments this year, finishing third in the President's Cup and second in the Gulfport Tournament before the State Games.

"It's been great to get to this point," Ferry said. "The girls were very excited and we had a great celebration after the game."



U16 Boys



The MYSO United U16 boys team finished second in its bracket.

The United came up short in the gold-medal game with a 2-1 loss to South Madison County Soccer Organization's Kelly team.



U14 Boys



The Meridian Futbol Club dropped its semifinal game 4-1 to Pearl, placing the team in the bronze medal game.

The team captured third place after Chris Mallett scored a goal in the first overtime to break a one-all tie with Vicksburg Soccer Organization's Crew.

Conner Bancroft also scored in the victory.



U14 Girls



MYSO United was shut out in the semifinals before bouncing back to claim the bronze medal with a 2-1 win over the GGSA Hotshots.

Rachel Lee scored both goals, while Taylor Baker was in goal for the United.