LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men's soccer team dropped its Gulf South Conference opener to (RV) University of Alabama in Huntsville, 2-1, Friday night at the UWA Soccer Field.
The Tigers fall to 0-4-1 overall and 0-1-0 in GSC play, while UAH improves to 4-0-0 overall and 1-0-0 in conference action.
After a scoreless opening half, UWA wasted little time finding the back of the net in the second period.
David Nunez gave the Tigers the lead at the 46:36 mark, scoring his second goal of the season to put UWA ahead 1-0.
Nunez continued to be a key offensive presence for the Tigers, recording two shots in the match after entering the contest as UWA's leading scorer.
UAH responded in the 64th minute when Donovan Pruitte leveled the match at 1-1 at 64:35. Wesley Atoyebi was credited with the assist.
Just under nine minutes later, the Chargers completed the comeback. Oliver Rigby scored at 73:20 to give UAH a 2-1 advantage.
The Tigers continued to battle for an equalizer in the closing minutes, but UAH goalkeeper Sonny Wright turned away UWA's final shot on target from Ethan Sharpe at 87:51 to preserve the Chargers' lead.
Dan Erez kept UWA within striking distance throughout the match, recording five saves on seven UAH shots on goal.
The Chargers finished with a 15-3 advantage in total shots and held a 5-0 edge in corner kicks. UWA recorded two shots on goal, with Wright making one save for UAH.
The Tigers were limited to just three total shots, but Nunez's early second-half goal briefly put UWA in front before the Chargers rallied.
UWA will return to the UWA Track and Soccer Complex on Sunday, September 13, hosting Tuskegee at 1:30 p.m.
The Tigers will look to bounce back from their GSC-opening loss and pick up their first victory of the season.
