Written by Eli Dean // Photo by Macy Cox
An otherwise typical road soccer game had extra meaning as fifth-year defender Josh Fulton and fifth-year midfielder Seth Albritton squared off against their former team at Mississippi College (MC) Sept. 8. Fulton transferred during the fall 2021 semester and Albritton soon followed in the spring of 2022, and while this wasn’t the first game the duo played against the Choctaws, this was the first meeting on the road.
“Two years ago, we were supposed to play at MC, but our whole team got [COVID-19], and the game got canceled, so that was devastating to me because I couldn’t wait to play them,” Fulton said. “Last year, we lost on a free kick, which was another painful memory, so this was my last chance to play against my old team.”
After Harding took a 1-0 lead late in the second half, Mississippi College responded with a game-tying goal three minutes later. After a back and forth few minutes, Fulton was able to pass the ball towards fifth-year forward Camilo Porto for the game-winning assist at the 77-minute mark.
“When Camilo put the ball behind the net I just went nuts,” Fulton said. “I was punching the air, I was so happy.”
After an immediate rush of emotions, Fulton said he didn’t realize at first that he played a part in the game-winning play.
“Right as I was walking back over [to the sidelines], I realized that I was the one who played him that ball, and it didn’t click right away,” Fulton said. “I was just thinking that we can’t let them score again, because if I get the game-winning assist against my old team and coaches, it’ll feel like a Disney movie.”
The game was also the first time the Bison soccer program defeated Mississippi College after four previous losses, and Albritton said he couldn’t contain his excitement after the win.
“I was so pumped to be able to play them again this year and on their field, and I thought about [the game] all summer leading up to it,” Albritton said. “So to finally beat them like that was just the greatest feeling.”
Both players started their college journey together, with the two meeting during one of Albritton’s college visits at Mississippi College. After Fulton transferred to Harding during his junior season, Albritton reached out to Fulton while in the transfer portal and felt like Harding was the right place for him.
“It was a little thing after a little thing that I felt like the Lord was guiding me and leading me,” Albritton said. “I didn’t really know what Harding was except some stuff I’d heard from Josh, but I felt like the Lord was calling me to leave, and I’m so happy I ended up at Harding.”
Head soccer coach Jon Ireland said he was proud of the way his players performed in the win but also took notice of what the game meant to Fulton and Albritton at the beginning of their last collegiate soccer season.
“It was an incredible moment for them to beat their former team, and they both played a huge role in the win over Mississippi College,” Ireland said. “I was so excited for our team but especially for Josh and Seth. It was a big win and a moment Josh and Seth will always remember.”
