Hinds Soccer Completes Season

Greg Anderson (Photo Courtesy of Hinds CC Athletics)

By Datti Jinkiri

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were felt by Hinds Community College, as the school’s soccer team was forced to play its season in the spring. Though the team’s season ended this weekend at the MACCC/Region 23 Tournament, the Eagles completed their season with a 7-4 record. This was the Eagles’ third straight season of seven over more victories.

The team overcame an 0-3 start to the season and won a MACCC North Division title in the process. The Eagles finished with a 7-1 divisional record and ended the regular season on a seven-game winning streak.

The Eagles clinched their third consecutive postseason berth and faced nationally-ranked Jones College in the MACCC/Region 23 semifinals. Despite clawing their way back from a 2-0 early deficit, the Eagles ultimately fell 4-2. This was the second straight season that the team has had its season ended by Jones.

Midfielder Greg Anderson led the Eagles with nine goals this season. Anderson, who played club soccer with Brilla Juniors in Clinton, had three multi-goal games. He bagged a hat-trick against East Central as well two goals apiece in road wins over Northwest Mississippi CC and East Central CC. The sophomore also added four assists.

Satsuki Mori also scored nine goals. The Japanese midfielder scored in the postseason match against Jones, and he had an impressive four-goal game against Northwest Mississippi CC in the Eagles’ final regular season game.

Anderson, forward Yuta Yamada, and midfielder Kodai Tanaka led the team in the assists category with four apiece. Mori and midfielder Joseph Cumberland were close behind with two assists each.

Coach Doug Williams completed his 20th season as Hinds’ head coach. He continued to add to his win total, which is well over the 200 mark. He has won nine state championships and seven region championships.