HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – In its fourth year of existence, West Alabama men's soccer clinched its first regular season Gulf South Conference Championship title and the first seed in the conference tournament with a 1-0 victory over Alabama Huntsville on Friday.

UWA ends the regular season 8-6-2 overall and 7-1-1 in the GSC - the program's best conference record finish. UAH ends the season 10-5 and will be the second seed in the tournament with a 7-2 conference record.

"Tonight was another massive performance by the lads," said UWA head coach Matthew Thorne. "Defensively and attacking it was a complete performance. They have been through a lot this year. I'm so proud of this family. Now it's on to the tournament at home in Tiger Stadium. Come on the Tigers."

Liam Ireland netted his third season goal 15 minutes into the match to put the Tigers ahead. The goal proved to be his second game-winner this year.

The offense out-shot the Chargers 7-6 in the first half. The defense stood tall in the second half, as UAH went on to lead the shot count 5-2 in the period.

Brad Louis (4-4) made one save to pick up the win in the net for the Tigers and post his third shutout of the season. Michael Winstone (9-5) took the loss with one save in two shots on-goal faced.

Ireland finished 1-for-1 shots on-goal, while Clay Green led the team with 1-for-3. Nathan Strouth came off the bench to tally the only UAH shot on-frame.

As the No. 1 seed West Alabama, the defending GSC Tournament Champions, will get a bye through the first round. The Tigers will host the semifinal round on Nov. 6, as well as the championship match on Nov. 8 at Tiger Stadium on the campus of UWA.

They will take on the winner of Christian Brothers and Shorter, who will face-off in the first round on Nov. 3 in Rome, Ga.

Follow UWAathletics.com on Facebook (facebook.com/UWAathletics) and Twitter (@UWAathletics) for all of the latest GSC Men's Soccer tournament updates, including times for each match. 

Find the link to the 2015 GSC Tournament hompage HERE.