LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men's soccer team played to a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Auburn Montgomery Friday night at the UWA Soccer Field. The match featured plenty of physical play, clutch scoring, and a controversial first-half decision that played a major role in the outcome.
UWA struck first in the 15th minute when Sam Collins netted his first goal of the season to give the Tigers an early 1-0 advantage. The Tigers appeared to hold that lead comfortably until the 34th minute, when AUM's Sean O'Donnell scored off an assist from Noah Fernandes. Initially, the goal was ruled offsides by the assistant referee, but the call was overturned by the head official without video review, allowing the equalizer to stand.
Auburn Montgomery carried that momentum into the second half, taking a 2-1 lead in the 52nd minute off a strike from Alan De Paula. The Tigers battled back, and in the 77th minute, David Nunez buried his seventh goal of the season, assisted by Ronny Wakelin, to level the match at 2-2.
Both sides had late chances to find the winner, but goalkeepers Charlie Walker (five saves) and Matteo Maccagni (two saves) held firm in net.
AUM outshot UWA 15-10, while both teams recorded 14 fouls in a physical contest. The Tigers were shown two yellow cards, while AUM was given two in the second half.
With the result, UWA moves to 3-2-2 overall and 3-0-1 in Gulf South Conference play. Auburn Montgomery is now 4-1-3 overall and 1-0-2 in league action.
The Tigers return to action Sunday when they go on the road at Montevallo. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
