HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The sixth-seeded University of West Alabama men's soccer team earned a massive postseason victory Saturday afternoon, knocking off third-seeded (RV) Alabama-Huntsville 4-3 at Charger Park to advance to the Gulf South Conference Championship semifinals.
The Tigers improve to 7-6-4 overall and move on to the conference semifinals after handing the Chargers, who entered the match at 10-1-3 overall and 6-1-3 in GSC play, just their second loss of the season.
West Alabama wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, striking twice in the opening nine minutes. David Nunezopened the scoring at 6:04, finishing a pass from Florian Laot to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead. Just over two minutes later, the two switched roles, as Nunez set up Laot for a goal at 8:16 to put West Alabama ahead 2-0.
UAH answered in the 22nd minute when Cade Valek found the back of the net off an assist from Samuel Quickfall, cutting the Tigers' advantage to 2-1. West Alabama carried its one-goal lead into halftime.
The Tigers extended their advantage early in the second half. Emilio Pabon scored an unassisted goal at 49:05, pushing West Alabama ahead 3-1 and giving the Tigers some breathing room.
West Alabama continued to create opportunities and added another goal in the 77th minute. Nunez scored his second of the afternoon at 76:09, finishing a pass from Pabon to give the Tigers a 4-1 advantage.
The Chargers mounted a late push, with Caio Prass scoring at 79:17 before Oli Orzechowski converted a penalty kick at 83:01 to pull UAH within one. West Alabama's defense held firm over the final minutes, preserving the 4-3 victory and securing the Tigers' place in the GSC semifinals.
Nunez led the Tigers with two goals, while Laot and Pabon each contributed a goal and an assist. Pabon's second-half performance proved especially important, as he scored the Tigers' third goal before assisting Nunez's insurance goal.
West Alabama finished with 10 shots, putting eight on target, while UAH recorded 16 shots with eight on goal. Goalkeeper Dan Erez made five saves for the Tigers, while UAH's Sonny Wright finished with four. The Chargers held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks.
The victory marks a significant postseason result for the sixth-seeded Tigers, who traveled to Huntsville and eliminated the third-seeded Chargers to keep their conference championship hopes alive.
Next Match
West Alabama advances to the GSC Men's Soccer Championship semifinals on Thursday, November 5, in Huntsville, Alabama. The Tigers will face either second-seeded AUM or seventh-seeded Christian Brothers, with the opponent and kickoff time to be announced.
