Gulf Coast League 2 Report: June 21
The playoffs are right around the corner, and there should be fireworks in this final week of the regular season
BRSC Capitals have secured a first place finish in the East Division, and will be getting ready to host a first round playoff match. The Mississippi Blues are in second place in the division, but can still be caught by Hattiesburg, and we'll go to tie-breakers if that happens.
In the West, Central Louisiana has secured a spot in the playoffs, but Shreveport United could possibly overtake them for first place. On the other hand, a Shreveport United loss could open the door for LA Krewe to sneak into the playoffs. Twin Cities is the only team in the West officially eliminated, but they can play spoiler.
Results from last week
BRSC Capitals 4-2 Mississippi Blues
Invictus FC 0-7 Mississippi Blues FC (result was reported late; from Friday, June 13)
Central Louisiana 4-4 LA Krewe Rush (Ellison Haynes with a brace for Krewe)
Twin Cities FC 1-1 Shreveport United
This week's games:
Feature Match
Image credit: Hattiesburg FC
Mississippi Blues vs Hattiesburg FC: (Sunday, June 22 at 5:00)
This is a must-win game for Hattiesburg to have a chance to get into the playoffs. Hattiesburg has a game in hand, which will be against Invictus in the final match of the regular season (almost surely a win). A draw or win for the Blues will secure second place, and a playoff berth. The first meeting this season saw the Blues win 2-0, and they'll be the slight favorite to win again, and stake their claim to a spot in the playoffs.
The rest of the matches for the week:
Invictus FC vs BRSC Capitals: (Saturday, June 21 at 7:15)
BRSC won the first meeting 13-0, and has nothing to gain by handing out a beat-down. They're likely to give some minutes for some players that haven't gotten as much playing time.
LA Krewe Rush vs Twin Cities FC: (Saturday, June 21 at 7:15)
Twin Cities had a slow start to the season, but have gotten a win and a draw from their last two games. LA Krewe must win to keep playoff hopes alive. I feel like Twin Cities will get points here, and be the spoiler.
Shreveport United vs Central Louisiana FC: (Saturday, June 21 at 7:15)
Shreveport can jump over Central LA into first place with a win. Central is holding onto first place, with a 0 GD. Also of note is that they've conceded seven goals in the past two games. This could be a wild one.
Invictus FC vs Hattiesburg FC: (Wednesday, June 25 at 5:30)
This will be the final game of the regular season, and Hattiesburg's motivation may be dependent on the outcome of their match against the Blues. Invictus has yet to score a goal this season, and would love to end their first season on a high note.
East Standings:
BRSC Capitals: 15 Points (+24 GD, 5 GP)
Mississippi Blues FC: 9 Points (+12 GD, 5 GP)
Hattiesburg FC: 3 Points (0 GD, 4 GP)
Invictus FC: (-36 GD, 4 GP)
West Standings:
Central Louisiana FC: 10 Points (0 GD, 5 GP)
Shreveport United: 8 Points (3 GD, 5 GP)
LA Krewe Rush: 5 Points (0 GD, 5 GP)
Twin Cities FC: 4 Points (-3 GD, 5 GP)