LIVINGSTON, Ala. – West Alabama senior Evan Beutler lifted men's soccer to a 2-1 overtime victory over Delta State with a goal in the 103^rd minute in the Tiger's  Gulf South Conference opener Friday at Tiger Stadium.

The win snaps a three match losing skid for West Alabama, who improves to 4-3 overall and 1-0 in the GSC. UWA remains unbeaten at home this season. Delta State drops to 3-4 and 1-1.

"It was a battle out there," said UWA head coach Matthew Thorne.

"We did a good job of controlling the first half, but they managed to apply pressure on us in the second and put us on our back foot. We were able to dig in deep in overtime, and we showed great character to overcome adversity. We were able to use a lot of our bench and get several guys some minutes. It was a whole squad effort tonight."

Beutler's goal was his first of the season and came by way of Brian Meadows and Emmanuel Mondestin.

Tiger defender Ashley Phillips put the Tigers up 1-0 in the first half with a goal in the 15^th minute off a pass from Vitor Gazza. The goal was Phillips' first of the season and Gazza's third assist.

Statesman Ricardo Filho netted the equalizer in the 46^th minute on a rebounded shot by Tiago Doneux.  

UWA goalkeeper Lavares Stone (4-0) faced six shots and made five saves to claim the win, while Jonathan Hilton (2-0) completed five saves on eight shots on goal to take the loss for Delta State.

West Alabama men's soccer returns to action Sunday against GSC opponent Mississippi College at 3:30 p.m. in Tiger Stadium.

"We are looking forward to Sunday," Thorne said. "We just need to rest up and focus on Mississippi College which is going to be another battle. There are going to be a lot of games in our conference that will be close and go into overtime like tonight. We will need to be ready."