LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men's soccer team returns home Sunday, October 11, to host Union University in a Gulf South Conference matchup at the UWA Soccer Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., following the postponement of the originally scheduled match due to inclement weather.
The Tigers enter the matchup with a 3-5-4 overall record and a 1-2-3 mark in GSC play, while Union comes in at 4-6-1 overall and 2-3-1 in conference action.
Sunday's contest will also serve as Senior Day, as West Alabama recognizes David Nunez, Oisin Griffin, and Kevin Garcia for their contributions to the program.
TIGERS' OFFENSE
West Alabama has put together a productive attack through its first 12 matches, scoring 32 goals and adding 26 assists. The Tigers have recorded 149 shots, including 89 on goal, while averaging 2.67 goals per match.
David Nunez leads the Tigers with 13 goals and five assists for 31 points. Nunez is one goal away from tying the school record for goals in a single season, set by Thibault Charmey with 14 in 2014. He is also two assists away from breaking the career school record of 16, shared by Charmey and Harrison Roberts.
Nunez has registered 41 shots, with 26 on target. Florian Laot and Jesper Bakli have each contributed four goals and four assists for 12 points. Oisin Griffin has added three goals and one assist, while Mathias Ibanez has scored twice and recorded one assist.
Yabsira Cobo has also been a key playmaker for the Tigers, leading the team with five assists alongside Nunez. West Alabama will look to continue generating offensive opportunities against a Union defense that has allowed 14 goals in 11 matches.
BETWEEN THE POSTS
Goalkeeper Dan Erez has started all 12 matches for West Alabama, playing 1,031 minutes. He has recorded 36 saves, a .632 save percentage and a 1.83 goals-against average, along with one shutout.
The Tigers have allowed 22 goals this season while recording 36 saves as a team. Erez and the UWA back line will look to limit Union's scoring chances and help the Tigers earn a conference result on Senior Day.
SCOUTING UNION
The Bulldogs enter Sunday's matchup at 4-6-1 overall and 2-3-1 in GSC play. Union has scored 14 goals and recorded 10 assists through 11 matches, while allowing 14 goals.
Freddie Westfall and Ashanie Kennedy lead the Bulldogs with three goals apiece. Westfall has added one assist for seven points, while Kennedy has recorded 24 shots, including 10 on goal. Decker Burns has contributed two goals, and George McDonnell leads the team with four assists.
In goal, Patrick Schott has started all 11 matches for Union, recording 71 saves and a .845 save percentage. He owns a 1.24 goals-against average and one shutout across 945 minutes of action.
SERIES HISTORY
West Alabama leads the all-time series against Union, 15-2, including a 7-1 record at home. The Tigers have won the last five meetings between the programs, including a 3-0 victory over the Bulldogs last season.
The Tigers return to the UWA Soccer Field on Sunday, October 11, for their Senior Day matchup against Union. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. as West Alabama looks to build on its recent draw against No. 4 Auburn University at Montgomery and continue its push in GSC play.
