MOBILE, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men's soccer team battled Spring Hill College to a 1-1 draw Saturday afternoon at Library Field in Gulf South Conference action.
The Tigers move to 3-5-2 overall and 1-2-1 in GSC play, while the Badgers move to 0-4-2 overall and 0-3-1 in league action.
West Alabama controlled much of the opening half, outshooting Spring Hill 8-0 while putting five shots on target. The Tigers created several opportunities early, with Jesper Bakli, Benicio Aronow, Florian Laot and David Nunez all recording shots on goal.
Spring Hill goalkeeper Jose Lozano Soto kept the match scoreless through the opening 45 minutes, making five saves in the first half.
The Tigers continued to apply pressure in the second half, with Bakli and Jack Porter both forcing saves from Lozano Soto. West Alabama also earned six corner kicks throughout the match compared to two for Spring Hill.
The Badgers broke through in the 82nd minute when Jack Ambrose scored off an assist from Alvaro Mestre, giving Spring Hill a 1-0 lead with just over eight minutes remaining.
West Alabama answered less than four minutes later.
In the 85th minute, senior forward David Nunez found the back of the net off an assist from Daniele Ciarlesi, tying the match at 1-1.
The Tigers continued to push for the game-winning goal in the final minutes, with Luke Jovanovich recording a late shot, but neither team could find the deciding goal before the final whistle.
West Alabama finished with a 12-3 advantage in shots and an 8-3 edge in shots on goal. The Tigers also held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Dan Erez played all 90 minutes in goal for the Tigers, recording two saves, while Lozano Soto finished with seven saves for Spring Hill.
Nunez's goal marked his 11th of the season, while Ciarlesi recorded his first assist of the match.
The Tigers return home Wednesday, October 2, for another GSC matchup against Christian Brothers University. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at the UWA Soccer Field.
