MSOC

Men's Soccer Braden Mottor

Eagles Fall Two Goals Short of Ave Maria in Season Opener

Match Recap:
Taking the field for the first time since claiming the 2025 national championship, the Pensacola Christian College Eagles opened their 2026 season on the road against NAIA foe Ave Maria University. Despite a scoreless first half, the Eagles surrendered two second-half goals and dropped their season opener, 2-0, to the Gyrenes.

Ave Maria tested the Eagles early with a shot in the opening minutes, but PCC answered quickly, firing two shots and earning three corner kicks to open the match on the front foot. As the half wore on, however, the Gyrenes seized control of possession, ripping off eight unanswered shots over a 15-minute stretch. The Eagles weren't finished, though, closing out the half with five shots of their own to send the teams into the break locked at 0-0.

PCC struggled to find its rhythm early in the second half, but the Eagles regained their footing in the 61st minute, stringing together back-to-back shot attempts to put pressure on the Gyrenes' defense. That push wasn't enough to prevent the breakthrough, as Ave Maria struck for the game's first goal in the 66th minute. The Eagles continued searching for an equalizer, but the Gyrenes doubled their lead in the 74th minute for what proved to be the game-winning margin.

Graduate-student goalkeeper Nathaniel Hixson turned in a strong effort between the posts, recording eight saves on 10 shots faced across all 90 minutes. Despite his performance, Ave Maria's two second-half goals held up as the only scoring of the match, handing the Eagles their first loss of the 2026 campaign.

What's Next:
The Eagles stay in South Florida for their next test, taking on Warner University on Saturday. PCC holds a 3-3 all-time record against the Royals, though the two programs haven't met since 2022. The Eagles will look to bounce back from Thursday's setback and pick up their first win of the season.

Stay connected with the Lady Eagles all season long on Instagram at @eaglespccmsoc. For full coverage of all PCC Eagles teams, events, and schedules, follow @eaglespcc on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Players Mentioned

Nathaniel Hixson

#0 Nathaniel Hixson

GK
6' 2"
Graduate Student

Players Mentioned

Nathaniel Hixson

#0 Nathaniel Hixson

6' 2"
Graduate Student
GK