LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men's soccer team erupted for eight goals Sunday afternoon, tying the program record for goals in a single match for the second time this season as the Tigers rolled past Harding, 8-2, at the UWA Soccer Field.
West Alabama (2-5-1) scored three times in the opening half before adding five more goals after halftime to secure its second eight-goal performance of the season.
David Nunez once again led the offensive explosion, recording his second hat trick of the season with three goals. His three-goal performance also ties the program record for most goals by an individual in a single match.
The Tigers wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, with Jesper Bakli finding the back of the net in the fifth minute to give UWA an early 1-0 advantage.
Florian Laot doubled the lead in the 23rd minute before adding his second goal of the afternoon in the 41st minute, with Bakli providing the assist to make it a 3-0 game heading into halftime.
West Alabama continued its offensive assault immediately after the break.
Nunez opened his hat trick in the 52nd minute, scoring off an assist from Laot. Just over three minutes later, Nunez struck again, this time with Bakli assisting to push the Tigers' lead to 5-0.
Bakli added his second goal of the match in the 57th minute, giving UWA a six-goal advantage.
Harding's Maverick McCaig put the Bisons on the board in the 61st minute, but Nunez completed his hat trick in the 66th minute after receiving a pass from Aidan Riley.
Harding added another goal from Zech Christman in the 77th minute, but the Tigers answered again in the 87th minute when Daniele Ciarlesi found the back of the net to cap the scoring at 8-2.
The eight goals mark the second time this season that West Alabama has scored eight goals in a single match, tying the program record for goals in a game.
Nunez's three-goal performance also marks the second time this season he has recorded a hat trick, matching the program record for goals by an individual in a match.
Bakli finished with two goals and an assist, while Laot recorded two goals and an assist. Riley and Ciarlesi also contributed to the scoring effort.
The Tigers finished with 25 shots, including 19 on target, while Harding managed seven shots with four on goal. UWA also held a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Dan Erez started in goal for the Tigers and recorded two saves before giving way to Jacob Pyndell in the 72nd minute.
Erez helped keep Harding off the scoreboard during the opening 60 minutes before the Bisons scored twice in the second half.
West Alabama now turns its attention back to Gulf South Conference play. The Tigers will play host to Delta State on Wednesday September 23rd at 7:30 PM from the UWA Soccer Field.
