Eagles and Tigers play to 1-1 draw
September 10, 2025

Eagles and Tigers play to 1-1 draw

Carson-Newman (0-1-2) and West Alabama (0-2-1) both scored first-half goals, but neither side could find a second half game-winner in a 1-1 tie on Wednesday afternoon at the Jerry F. Smith Track and Field Complex.

Box Score (PDF)

LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Carson-Newman (0-1-2) and West Alabama (0-2-1) both scored first-half goals, but neither side could find a second half game-winner in a 1-1 tie on Wednesday afternoon at the Jerry F. Smith Track and Field Complex.

"I thought the lads put in a great effort today against a very good opponent," Carson-Newman head coach Stephen Lyons said. "We arguably had the better play early on and conceded against the run of play. Our response was positive and build up to a great finish for the equalizer was thoroughly deserved. We need to improve with chances created in the final third and cut out some basic defensive errors moving forward. But overall, a lot of positives before opening SAC play on Saturday."

The game's first shot would result in a goal. After Carson-Newman controlled most of the possession through the first eight minutes, UWA would go on a counterattack, and it was perfectly executed. David Nunez dribbled into the box and delivered a pass to Kyrylo Peregudov who sent a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner to start the scoring in the 9th minute.

Carson-Newman's first opportunity came in the 16th minute. Ben Dukes (Southampton, England) raced up the right side and had his shot toward goal blocked.

Mitchell Honcoop (Nieuw-Vennep, Netherlands) made the most of C-N's second chance. In the 17th minute, Dukes set up Honcoop in the box and the junior midfielder rocketed a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner to level the match at 1.

The goal for Honcoop is his first of the year and the eighth of his career. Dukes' assist is his first of the year and fourth of his career.

C-N goalkeeper Elijah Buford (Atlanta, Ga.) went on to make three saves in the opening half to keep the score tied. Nunez' took aim at goal in the 24th minute. The two other shots on goal for UWA came in the final six minutes of the first half.

Into the second half, Buford would continue to make his presence known. UWA's Aidan Riley took the first shot after halftime, forcing the C-N keeper to make a diving save to his left.

Maxime Wester (Brussel, Belgium) attempted C-N's first shot in the second half in the 58th minute. Ranging to his right, Wester ripped a right-footed shot that forced UWA goalkeeper Charlie Walker into his first save.

Intensity picked up as the game progressed. There were four yellow cards shown in a two-minute stretch, three of which went to West Alabama players.

UWA threatened three times in the 78th minute. Gonzalo Rawinad had a shot blocked and two others went off target.

Carson-Newman's last two shots came in the final five minutes. Tim Haans (Tilburg, Netherlands) had his chance blocked and Rhydian Williams (Conwy, Wales) had his shot miss just off to the right.

The Tigers held a narrow 12-10 shots advantage, with five of their 12 hitting goal compared to C-N's two of 10. There were minimal corner kick, three from UWA and two from C-N.

Nine Eagle field players competed for the full 90 minutes.

Buford made four saves for C-N, recovering well after the early goal allowed.

This marks the second consecutive game that C-N has tied, with both being 1-1 finals. No Scorigami, a 1-1 final score has occurred 29 times now in program history.

Carson-Newman begins its 2025 home slate and SAC play on Saturday night versus Catawba. First touch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from McCown Field. Coverage on the Eagle Sports Network is available with a subscription to FloSports at cneagles.com/floMsoc.

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