Wallace State soccer secures ACCC regular season title with back-to-back wins

The Wallace State men's soccer team closed out conference play in dominant fashion, earning a pair of convincing victories to clinch the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) regular season championship and the No. 1 seed for the upcoming conference tournament.

"Great opportunity for us going into the tournament as the #1 seed," said coach James Fee. "The guys have done a great job throughout the year, but the job isn't done yet. We want to compete for a conference championship."

On Tuesday, the Lions notched a 5-1 road win at Northeast Alabama, with five different players contributing goals in a balanced offensive attack. Kaisei Abram, Shishio Abram, Yaya Jawneh, Harper Jones, and Matti Stöcker all found the net, while Elijah Wong impressed in the attack as a target man. Giovanni Martino anchored the defense with a series of tremendous challenges to help Wallace control the match on both ends.

"Elijah Wong was fantastic in getting us up the field and being the target man," said Fee after the match. "Giovanni Martino also played extremely well in the back with some fantastic challenges."  

Wallace State followed up with a 4-0 victory at home against Southern Union in a match that sealed the conference title. Yaya Jawneh and Sammy Schofield each scored twice to pace the Lions. Elias Meinhardt had assists on two of the goals, while goalkeeper Emrik Senécal recorded his third shutout of the season. The Lions dictated possession throughout the contest, showcasing their depth and efficiency.

"Kaisei Abram and Meinhardt both played fantastically in midfield. Kai and his ability to drive at defenders is so dangerous," said Fee. "Kenneth Thompson played exceptionally well for us yesterday as well both defensively and in the attack." 

With the two victories, Wallace State improves to 8-1-3 overall and 6-0-2 in ACCC play. The Lions now turn their attention to the postseason, but first will wrap up the regular season on the road at Oxford College of Emory University on Tuesday.