LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men's soccer team returns to the road Saturday, October 17, traveling to Clinton, Mississippi, to face Mississippi Christian in a Gulf South Conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
The Tigers enter the contest at 5-5-4 overall and 3-2-3 in GSC play after earning a 2-1 victory over Montevallo in their regular-season home finale. West Alabama has won two consecutive matches and sits tied for fourth in the conference standings with 12 points.
Mississippi Christian comes into Saturday's matchup at 3-5-4 overall and 2-3-3 in conference play. The Choctaws currently sit eighth in the GSC standings with nine points after earning a draw in their most recent conference outing.
Series History
Mississippi Christian holds a 9-4-2 advantage in the all-time series against West Alabama, winning the last two meetings between the programs. The most recent matchup came last season in Livingston, where the Choctaws earned a 1-0 victory over the Tigers.
West Alabama will look to reverse that trend Saturday and continue building momentum in the conference race.
Scouting West Alabama
The Tigers feature a productive offensive attack led by David Nunez, who has recorded 13 goals and six assists for 32 points through 14 matches. Nunez leads West Alabama in goals, points and shots with 49, including 31 on target. He has also recorded one game-winning goal.
Jesper Bakli and Florian Laot have each scored six goals this season. Bakli has added four assists for 16 points, while Laot has also contributed four assists and recorded 14 shots on target on 17 attempts. Both players scored in West Alabama's 2-1 win over Montevallo.
Daniele Ciarlesi has added three goals and two assists, while Oisin Griffin has scored three times and contributed one assist. Yabsira Cobo has provided five assists, giving the Tigers another playmaker in the attack.
In goal, Dan Erez has started all 14 matches for West Alabama, logging more than 1,200 minutes. Erez has recorded 40 saves with a .645 save percentage and a 1.63 goals-against average. He has also earned five wins and two shutouts this season.
Scouting Mississippi Christian
The Choctaws enter the matchup with a pair of leading goal scorers in Karim Gegg and Harry McLean, who have each scored five goals. Gegg has added one assist for 11 points and leads the team with 43 shots, including 19 on target. McLean has recorded 10 points and one game-winning goal on 15 shots.
Hayden Mulrooney has contributed two goals and three assists for seven points, while Lian Feridanihas added one goal and two assists. Benjamin Ellis and Luke Nolan have each scored once, providing additional options for the Choctaws offensively.
Mississippi Christian has used two primary goalkeepers this season. Elliot Duffy, listed as the probable starter, has appeared in six matches with five starts. Across 463 minutes, Duffy has recorded 14 saves, a .667 save percentage and a 1.36 goals-against average. Santiago Dominguez Ochoa has started seven matches, making 10 saves with a .435 save percentage.
GSC Standings
West Alabama enters the weekend tied with Montevallo for fourth place in the GSC standings with 12 points. The Tigers are 3-2-3 in conference play and have scored 17 goals while allowing 10 in league matches.
Mississippi Christian sits eighth with nine points and a 2-3-3 conference record. A win on Saturday would give West Alabama another opportunity to strengthen its position as the conference schedule continues.
West Alabama travels to Clinton, Mississippi, on Saturday, October 17, to take on Mississippi Christian in GSC action. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
