MARIETTA, Ga. – The UT Southern men's soccer team challenged No. 7 Life University for much of the first half Sunday afternoon, building a lead before the Runnin' Eagles used a strong second-half performance to earn a 5-2 victory at Lupo Family Field.
The Firehawks conclude the regular season with an 8-7-1 overall record and a 4-7 mark in Southern States Athletic Conference play. Life finished the regular season at 13-1-3 overall and 9-0-2 in conference action.
Life opened the scoring in the 14th minute, but UT Southern quickly answered.
After a penalty kick opportunity in the 27th minute, Lorick Gustave converted from the spot to level the match at 1-1.
The Firehawks struck again just over four minutes later when Jinto Kanagase found the back of the net in the 31st minute, giving UT Southern a 2-1 advantage and putting the nationally-ranked Runnin' Eagles on notice.
Life responded just before halftime, finding an equalizer in the 45th minute to send the match into the break tied at 2-2.
The home side gained momentum after halftime and reclaimed the lead in the 56th minute. Life continued to apply pressure throughout the second half, adding goals in the 75th and 82nd minutes to pull away late.
Despite the final score, the Firehawks showed resilience against one of the NAIA's top programs. Goalkeeper Hunter McGourty turned in a standout performance, recording 11 saves while facing 26 shots and 17 shots on goal from the potent Life attack.
Kanagase and David Danquah led UT Southern with two shots apiece, while Gustave and Kanagase supplied the Firehawks' two goals.
By the Numbers
Looking Ahead
With the regular season complete, UT Southern now turns its attention to the Southern States Athletic Conference Tournament. The Firehawks will await their postseason placement as they look to make another run in the conference championship.
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