New Orleans Jesters Jesters lose to Southern States SC in season opener

Hattiesburg, MS. The New Orleans Jesters lost 3-1 to Southern States SC Friday night in Hattiesburg, MS in the opening game of the Jesters NPSL Gulf Coast Conference campaign. 

Southern States scored twice in quick succession after a scoreless first half then added a third goal in stoppage time to cap the victory.

New Orleans started brightly and midfielder Erick Gunera came close to breaking the deadlock in only the 4th minute after picking up the ball 25 yards out.  Gunera drove a shot on frame forcing a save from SSSC goalkeeper Gabriel Perrotta.

The game was paused for almost an hour after 32 minutes due to a lightning strike close to the stadium. The match finally resumed after the delay but remained scoreless through the end of the first half. 

Southern States opened the scoring in the 57th minute after the ball was redirected back into the box from a corner kick.  Defender Josh Davies drove the ball past Jesters goalkeeper Alex Hare from ten yards out. 

SSSC doubled their advantage ten minutes later after Mason Walsh converted a counterattack to make it 2-0. 

New Orleans pulled a goal back in the 80th minute after forward Sheldon Green was brought down in the box after breaking past the last defender. Green converted the ensuing penalty kick to make it 2-1. 

New Orleans piled on the pressure in the final minutes as they looked for the equalizing goal.  Then with seconds remaining and everyone pushed forward, the Jesters got caught by a second counter attack as SSSC added a third goal in stoppage time.  

New Orleans returns home next Saturday for its first home match of the season with a 7 PM game versus Florida Roots SC at Pan American Stadium ($10, nolajesters.com).