CLEVELAND, Tenn.—The West Alabama men's soccer team suffered a 3-1 defeat to Lee University in a Gulf South Conference match on Friday night at the Ray Conn Sports Complex.

Despite a second-half goal from Ellis Williamson, the Tigers could not overcome a three-goal deficit established by the Flames in the first half.

Lee University struck early, with Ryan Chouyouti opening the scoring in the ninth minute off an assist from Marlon Grossmann.

The Flames extended their lead when Grossmann himself scored in the 17th minute, assisted by Nick Lu. Carson Haiflich added a third goal at the 34-minute mark, converting a pass from Marcos Garcia.

West Alabama's offense showed some fight in the second half, as Ellis Williamson found the back of the net in the 84th minute. However, the Tigers could not close the gap further despite outshooting Lee 9-7 overall.

Both teams recorded two saves, and Lee University held a slight edge in corner kicks, 5-2. The match was physical, with 28 fouls and several cautions.

West Alabama drops to 2-2-1 overall and 0-1-0 in GSC play. Their next match will be a Gulf South Conference clash against Trevecca Nazarene on Sunday, September 22 at 4:30 p.m. in Nashville, Tennessee.