POPLARVILLE – Ninth-ranked Jones College saw its postseason run come to a heartbreaking end Wednesday afternoon as Meridian scored a golden goal in the 96th minute to upset the Bobcats 1-0 in the NJCAA Region 23 Men's Soccer Tournament semifinals at the PRCC Soccer Complex.
After 90 minutes of scoreless soccer, Meridian's (13-4-2) Tanner Nichols delivered the game-winner just 5:06 into the first overtime period, finishing off an assist from Kelvin Campos to send the Eagles into the Region 23 championship match.
The loss ended Jones' hopes of a regional title after the Bobcats were unable to capitalize on several scoring opportunities throughout regulation.
Jones (16-2-2) and Meridian finished even with 12 shots apiece, but the Bobcats held a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal. The Eagles, however, made their final opportunity count.
Jones outshot Meridian 5-3 in the opening half while earning four corner kicks to the Eagles' two. Despite the early pressure, neither side could break through as the teams entered halftime scoreless.
Meridian turned up the pressure after intermission, holding an 8-7 advantage in second-half shots and generating five corner kicks. Jones continued to create chances of its own, putting three shots on frame over the final 45 minutes, but Meridian goalkeeper William Dickerson turned away each attempt.
With the match still scoreless after regulation, the Eagles needed just one opportunity in extra time.
Nichols found the back of the net at the 95:06 mark for the only goal of the afternoon and Campos was credited with the assist.
Dickerson recorded four saves in the shutout, playing all 95:06 in goal for Meridian. Jones goalkeeper Logan Correro finished with one save.
Meridian held a narrow 7-6 edge in corner kicks, while the Eagles were whistled for nine fouls compared to eight for the Bobcats.
Jones will have to wait and see if they'll get consideration for an NJCAA at-large berth in the coming week.
