Perkins’ late goal lifts Northwest women’s soccer past Gulf Coast 2-1, advances to Region 23 championship

Photo: Caroline Perkins turns to celebrate with her team after scoring the go-ahead goal against Mississippi Gulf Coast in the Region 23 semifinal on Wednesday night. (Brian Oakley/nwccrangers.com)

RIDGELAND, Miss. – Freshman forward Caroline Perkins scored in the 84th minute to break a 1-1 tie, lifting No. 3 Northwest Mississippi Community College to a 2-1 victory over No. 5 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in the Region 23 women’s soccer semifinal Wednesday night.

The dramatic win punches the Rangers’ ticket to the championship match for the fourth consecutive season.

Northwest (16-1-1) will now face Jones College in the final on Friday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. The Rangers are seeking their third straight Region 23 title and a return trip to the NJCAA National Tournament in Wichita, Kansas.

The Rangers had to battle from behind for the victory. Gulf Coast (12-3-1) struck first when Laylah Johnson converted a penalty kick in the 17th minute after a foul was called in the 18-yard box.

Northwest delivered a critical response just three and a half minutes later. Emma Jensen maneuvered down the end line and sent a pass to Olivia Miller, who scored from the six-yard box to equalize the match in the 21st minute.

“If it would have sat one-zero for a while, they would have gotten deeper and deeper… so the key was just getting that next goal and we got it quick,” Northwest Head Coach James Beattie said.

The score remained deadlocked at 1-1 through halftime. Northwest came out aggressively in the second half, hitting the posts and crossbar on three consecutive shots but failing to find the go-ahead goal.

That changed with just six minutes remaining. Jensen recorded her second assist of the night, placing a “near perfect ball” in front of Perkins, who outraced the defense and toed a shot past the oncoming goalie for the game-winner. It was the Hernando native’s 14th goal of the season.

“We all wanted it so bad, and it was all effort at the end,” Perkins said. “My team put me on their shoulders… it was a great ball from Jensen.”

Northwest dominated the offensive pressure, finishing with 26 total shots, 12 of which were on goal. Goalie Ann Marie Barton made four saves to secure her 15th win of the year.

“She’s someone that has stepped up and has been big time for us this year,” Beattie said of his sophomore goalie. “She’s a big part of why we have had success this year.”

Match Highlights

• MGCCC Goal (17′): Laylah Johnson scored on a penalty kick.
• NWCC Goal (21′): Olivia Miller scored, assisted by Emma Jensen.
• NWCC Goal (84′): Caroline Perkins scored the game-winner, assisted by Emma Jensen.
• Key Stats: Northwest finished with 26 total shots (12 on goal). Goalie Ann Marie Barton recorded four saves.
• Up Next: Northwest faces Jones College in the Region 23 Championship on Friday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m.