JACKSON - The Millsaps College men's soccer team hosted an alumni match on Saturday afternoon with the current varsity players defeating the 17 returning alumni by a score of 5-3.

Head coach Lee Johnson, a Millsaps alum himself, hopes the event will get former players back involved in the program and establish the tradition of holding the event in the spring.

Before the match started, a cook-out was held for all players, past and present, and their families.

Doing the cooking was longtime supporter of the men's soccer program, Sparky Welles.

In a match consisting of three, 30-minute periods on Harper Davis Field, the varsity team started strong, opening up a 3-0 lead after a very competitive and spirited first period.

As the alumni wore down, the atmosphere of the contest turned more fun and relaxed which benefitted the alum, which struck three times in the third period to close the gap but could not overtake the varsity team falling 5-3.

Following the match, the alumni gathered for dinner at CS's Restaurant, a staple get-together spot for the team and where the annual banquet is held.

“The dinner gave everyone a chance to relax and hang out together” Johnson said. “The returning alumni spoke highly of the event and are looking forward to coming back and doing it again next year.”