LIVINGSTON, Ala. — 2nd-year forward Maverick McCaig and 1st-year forward Zech Christman each scored the first goals of their collegiate careers, but Harding dropped an 8-2 decision to West Alabama in nonconference action on Sunday afternoon at the UWA Track and Soccer Complex.
Harding (0-7-0) registered its first multiple-goal game of the season and its first in its last 10 matches dating back to 2025.
West Alabama (2-5-1) jumped out to a 3-0 halftime lead behind an early strike from Jesper Bakli and two first-half goals from Florian Laot. The Tigers expanded their lead early in the second half before McCaig got the Bisons on the board in the 61st minute (60:15) off a setup from Christman.
Christman added a goal of his own in the 77th minute (76:17), finishing a pass from 2nd-year midfielder Zak Spear. With the performance, Christman became the first Harding player to record both a goal and an assist in a single match this season, and the first Bison to accomplish the feat since Cian Halpin and Elliott Bracy both did so against Northeastern State during the 2024 campaign.
David Nunez scored three second-half goals for West Alabama, while Daniele Ciarlesi rounded out the scoring for the Tigers late in the match.
Match Notes
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Goalkeeping: 2nd-year goalkeeper Dillon Hart started and made five saves in the first half. 1st-year goalkeeper Anderson Gulick made his collegiate debut in the second half, stopping six shots as Harding goalkeepers combined for 11 saves on the day. Dan Erez collected two saves for West Alabama to earn the win.
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Shot Totals: West Alabama outshot Harding 25-7 overall and held a 19-4 edge in shots on goal. 4th-year forward Reik Barrack paced the Bisons with three shot attempts off the bench.
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Corner Kicks: The Tigers held a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Up Next
Harding returns home to Stevens Soccer Complex on Thursday, Sept. 24, resuming GAC/MIAA play against Fort Hays State. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
