Men's Soccer 9/1/2026 11:30:00 PM Alvin Chapman

Eagles Draw Second Consecutive Match Against NAIA Opponent

Game Recap:
The Eagles men's soccer team tied the Rams of Columbia International University 1-1, moving their season record to 0-1-1. Both men's soccer and volleyball teams hosted matches as they concluded their first days of class. The Lady Eagles volleyball team defeated the Eagles of United States Sports University in four sets, losing the third set by an extended result of 29-31.

Columbia International University concluded last season being crowned champions of the NCAA Division I South Region and as a semifinalist in the NCCAA national tournament. The Rams entered the match defeating an NCCAA South Region Opponent, Bob Jones University, 3-1 for their first road win of the season. The victory gave head coach Anthony Gehman his first win as a head coach.

"Our guys went out there and did exactly what we asked them to do," said coach Joe Liwosz. "They went out there and played a disciplined game. We knew that it would be a chess match, in a sense, defensively with switches and offensively with being patient. But the guys came through and did what we asked."

The Eagles entered this match after losing their first road match of the season to Ave Maria University, 2-0, and drawing against Warner University, 3-3. Junior forward and two-time All-American Jackson Clarke finished the weekend with two goals, and freshman midfielder Aaron Diaz scored his first collegiate goal, providing the Eagles a 3-1 advantage in the 57th minute of the Warner University match.

The first half of tonight's match concluded in a draw for both teams, with the Rams outshooting the Eagles eight shots to four. Transfer winger from Letourneau University Graysen Crawford attempted the clearest opportunity from either team in the 4th minute of the match. The Rams' attacking momentum in the second half's inception led to the match's first goal three minutes into the second half. Junior defender Andreas Kosta bent a through ball behind the Eagles' defensive line to Julian Rodrigo for the first goal of his collegiate career.

After two yellow cards were issued by the official, the Rams made four more attempts at the goal. Defended by sophomore defender Cristhian Molina, Jameson Bryant was fouled in the box, allowing a penalty kick opportunity for the Eagles. Junior midfielder and 2025's Most Outstanding Player in the NCCAA National Tournament, Samir Vieira Siqueira, was allotted the penalty kick's responsibility and capitalized for a one-goal equalizer. "Samir stepped up big at the end of last season," Coach Joe mentioned. "He is someone that we look to as someone who can put those in the back of the net. He has built some trust with that role, and that is something that we kind of lean on him for right now."

With the score knotted and over 35 minutes of soccer remaining, both teams displayed eagerness to either add another or their first win of the season. The Rams outshot the Eagles 9-4 after the equalizer in the 54th minute. The Rams, for the game, outshot the Eagles 22 (11 SOG) to 10 (5 SOG). The team relied heavily on the goalkeeping of graduate student Nathaniel Hixson, who tied a career-best 10 saves, which he achieved against Belhaven University last season. "He has been a rock wall for us," Coach Joe said. "He has led in some goals, but the amount that he has kept out has been phenomenal. He's done a very good job, and we wouldn't be where we are without him."

What's Next:
Friday, the Eagles will host South Athletic Association member Millsaps College. The Eagles visited the Majors last season, ending the match with a tying score of 1-1. Junior midfielder Samir Vieira Siqueira scored his third goal of the season in last year's match, responding to an early goal conceded in the game's sixth minute. The Rams will travel to Bluefield, Virginia, to face Bluefield University.

Stay updated on the Eagles' season by following @eaglespccmsoc on Instagram. For full coverage of all PCC Eagles teams, events, and schedules, follow @eaglespcc on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.

Players Mentioned

#0 Nathaniel Hixson: GK; 6' 2"; Graduate Student

#4 Aaron Diaz: M; 5' 10"; Freshman

#10 Samir Vieira Siqueira: M; 5' 7"; Junior

#19 Graysen Crawford: F; 5' 9"; Senior

#20 Jackson Clarke: F; 6' 3"; Junior

#33 Jameson Bryant: M; 5' 8"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#0 Nathaniel Hixson
: 6' 2"; Graduate Student
: GK

#4 Aaron Diaz
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: M

#10 Samir Vieira Siqueira
: 5' 7"; Junior
: M

#19 Graysen Crawford
: 5' 9"; Senior
: F

#20 Jackson Clarke
: 6' 3"; Junior
: F

#33 Jameson Bryant
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: M