COCHRAN, Ga. – The University of West Alabama men's soccer team hits the road for the first time this season as the Tigers prepare for a pair of contests in the state of Georgia, beginning Thursday, September 3, against Middle Georgia State at 7:30 p.m.

West Alabama (0-1-1, 0-0 GSC) will open the two-game road swing against the Knights in Cochran before traveling to Americus for a Saturday night matchup against Georgia Southwestern at 7:30 p.m.

The Tigers enter the trip following a pair of competitive results to begin the 2026 campaign. UWA has scored three goals through its first two matches while holding opponents to five goals.

Senior David Nunez has provided an early spark offensively, leading the Tigers with one goal and two assists for four points. Nunez has registered six shots, including three on target, through two starts.

Jesper Bakli and Florian Laot have also found the back of the net this season. Bakli has recorded one goal and two shots, while Laot has scored once on one shot and has put his lone attempt on frame.

Yabsira Cobo has added an assist and has been accurate with both of his shots on goal. Overall, the Tigers have recorded 15 shots through two matches, with eight finding the target.

In goal, Dan Erez has started both matches and played all 180 minutes. The Freshman goalkeeper has collected seven saves while posting a .583 save percentage.

SCOUTING MIDDLE GEORGIA STATE
Middle Georgia State enters Thursday's matchup at 0-2-0 on the young season.

The Knights have scored two goals through their first two matches, with Zaki Goes and Javier Gongora Andres each finding the back of the net once. Gongora Andres leads the team with five shots, while Alfie Irving and Shayne Osbourne have each recorded two shots.

Middle Georgia State has attempted 15 shots, putting eight on frame. Defensively, the Knights have allowed six goals through two matches.

Philip Haenel and Thomas Howe have each appeared in goal for 90 minutes. Haenel has recorded one save, while Howe has made three saves.

Thursday's contest marks the first meeting between West Alabama and Middle Georgia State in program history.

SCOUTING GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN
The Tigers will close the road trip Saturday against Georgia Southwestern in Americus.

The Hurricanes enter the weekend with a 1-1-0 record, and will take on UAH on Thursday, prior to taking on the Tigers. Georgia Southwestern has produced six goals through its first two matches while attempting 39 shots, including 24 on target.

Theo Hoang has been the Hurricanes' primary offensive threat, leading the team with four goals and six shots on target. Jesus Duque has added one goal, while Sean Carlos Rivera has contributed one goal and two assists.

Mane Birovljev and Dante Johnson have each recorded one assist, while Mateo Acuna Marmol has added an assist as well.

Javier Barbosa has started both matches in goal for Georgia Southwestern, playing all 180 minutes. He has recorded five saves while allowing three goals.

West Alabama and Georgia Southwestern have met once previously, with the Tigers earning a 2-0 victory in Americus on September 9, 2012.

LOOKING AHEAD
Following Thursday's matchup at Middle Georgia State, the Tigers will travel to Americus for their Saturday night meeting with Georgia Southwestern. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
The two contests will provide West Alabama with its first road tests of the season as the Tigers look to build momentum before the start of Gulf South Conference play.