COCHRAN, Ga. – The University of West Alabama men's soccer team dropped a 3-2 decision to Middle Georgia State Thursday night at Nesmith Field in the Tigers' first road contest of the 2026 season.
With the loss, West Alabama moves to 0-2-1 on the season, while Middle Georgia State improves to 1-2-0.
After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, the Tigers broke through first in the second half. Team Captain Oisin Griffin found the back of the net in the 64th minute, putting UWA ahead 1-0 with 25 minutes remaining.
The Knights responded quickly, however, tying the match just under two minutes later when Scott Osbourne scored in the 67th minute.
Middle Georgia State then took control of the match with a pair of goals from Javier Gongora Andres in a span of just 39 seconds. Gongora Andres converted in the 73rd minute to give the Knights their first lead before finding the back of the net again moments later to push the advantage to 3-1.
West Alabama continued to battle and cut the deficit to one in the 81st minute when Ethan Sharpe scored his first goal of the season.
The Tigers continued to pressure the Knights in the final minutes, but Middle Georgia State held on for the victory.
West Alabama generated 17 shots on the night, putting nine on target. Middle Georgia State recorded 14 shots with six on frame.
David Nunez and Daniele Ciarlesi led the Tigers with three shots apiece, while Sharpe and Griffin each recorded two shots. Sharpe's goal marked his first of the season, while Griffin also registered his first goal of the campaign.
In goal, freshman Dan Erez made three saves for the Tigers, including a key penalty-kick save in the 73rd minute. Erez stopped Gongora Andres' penalty attempt before the Knights' forward scored on the ensuing play.
West Alabama also held an 11-6 advantage in corner kicks, including seven in the second half.
The Tigers will remain on the road to close out the two-game Georgia road trip, traveling to Americus, Georgia, to face Georgia Southwestern on Saturday, September 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.
