CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi Christian University men's soccer dropped a 2-1 decision to Florida Southern on Sunday at Robert P. Longabaugh Field.
The Choctaws (1-2-1) answered an early Florida Southern goal with Harry McLean's equalizer in the 28th minute, but the Moccasins (4-0-0) reclaimed the lead early in the second half and held off MC the rest of the way.
Florida Southern struck less than two minutes into the match as Hector Oliver found the back of the net off an assist from Darcy Moffat at the 1:57 mark.
The Blue and Gold responded by generating pressure as the first half progressed. Karim Gegg, Alvaro Pena and Gage Sorey each produced opportunities before McLean broke through at 27:42. Sorey set up the equalizer, and McLean converted his lone shot of the match to pull the Choctaws even at 1-1.
MC goalkeeper Elliot Duffy helped preserve the tie heading into halftime. Duffy turned away Max Muth at 38:12 before making another save on Tommaso Duri less than a minute later.
Florida Southern opened the second half on the attack, earning a pair of corner kicks and producing three shots before Moffat scored the eventual game-winner at 51:57. Oliver picked up the assist to give the Moccasins a 2-1 advantage.
Mississippi Christian looked for an answer and put together one of its strongest stretches midway through the half. The Choctaws earned back-to-back corner kicks in the 66th minute, while Patton Francis generated two attempts, including a shot on goal that was stopped by Florida Southern goalkeeper Ricardo Marques.
The Moccasins continued to apply pressure, but MC kept the deficit at one. Duffy made his third save of the afternoon in the 80th minute, denying Oliver and giving the Choctaws an opportunity to find a late equalizer.
Gegg produced MC's final attempt in the 85th minute, but Florida Southern held on for the 2-1 victory.
Gegg led the Choctaws with five of the team's 10 shots. McLean finished with one goal and one shot on goal, while Sorey recorded an assist and one shot. Duffy played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with three saves.
Mississippi Christian totaled 10 shots with two on goal, while Florida Southern finished with 14 attempts and five on frame.
UP NEXT
Mississippi Christian opens Gulf South Conference play Saturday, Sept. 12, when the Choctaws host Union University at Robert P. Longabaugh Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. in Clinton.
