AMERICUS, Ga. – The University of West Alabama men's soccer team battled through a difficult road matchup Saturday night, falling 2-0 to Georgia Southwestern at Hurricane Field.
The Tigers (0-3-1) and Hurricanes played to a scoreless draw through the opening 76 minutes, with both sides creating opportunities but neither able to break through.
West Alabama goalkeeper Dan Erez kept the Tigers within striking distance throughout the contest, recording five saves on 18 Georgia Southwestern shots. The Hurricanes tested Erez early and often, but the Tigers' defensive effort kept the match level deep into the second half.
Georgia Southwestern held a 6-3 advantage in shots during the opening half and carried an 18-6 edge for the match. The Hurricanes also earned eight corner kicks compared to one for West Alabama.
The Tigers created several opportunities of their own, including a pair of shots from David Nunez and attempts from Jack Porter and Yabsira Cobo. Cobo nearly broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, putting a shot off the woodwork.
Georgia Southwestern finally found the breakthrough in the 77th minute when Mateo Acuna Marmol scored to give the Hurricanes a 1-0 advantage.
The Hurricanes added an insurance goal in the 86th minute, with Theo Hoang finding the back of the net to push the advantage to 2-0.
Despite the late deficit, Erez continued to keep the Tigers in the contest, making additional saves on attempts from Giancarlo Walsh and others during the final stages.
West Alabama will now turn its attention to Gulf South Conference play. The Tigers will open their GSC schedule at home against Alabama Huntsville on Friday, September 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the UWA Soccer Field.
