CLINTON, Miss. - The Union University men's soccer team lost 1-0 at Mississippi College in the first round of the 2019 Gulf South Conference Championships. Eight-seed Union ended its season with a 8-8 record, while top-seeded Mississippi College improved to 9-1-5 overall. 

This game was historic, marking the first GSC Tournament match for Union men's soccer since joining the league in 2012. Union became GSC postseason eligible in 2014 after moving membership from NAIA to NCAA. 

In addition to being the GSC regular season champion and top seed, Mississippi College was ranked No. 4 in the region and receiving votes in the national coaches poll. 

The match was close with the only goal coming in the in the 27th minute of play. MC's Guilherme Santos scored, assisted by Javier Avelar and Abel Perez. Mississippi College edged Union 7-5 in shots during the first half. 

The Choctaws were in control more in the second half, leading Union 13-4 in shots. However, neither team scored on a cold, windy, but sunny afternoon. 

Union head coach Steven Cox said, "I am proud of what our guys accomplished this season. Our guys won the most games in a season since 2012 and earned the first GSC appearance in program history. We played very well today and our guys are disappointed in the result. We created a lot of good chances but just were not able to capitalize on them. I am looking forward to the future of Union Soccer. Our senior class has left the program better than they found it."

Euan Morton recorded six saves for Union during his 90 minutes in goal. Morton made several dramatic saves that kept Union in the game. 

MC led Union 20-9 in shots overall, including 8-2 in shots on goal. 

Union was led by second team all-conference performer, William Valencia with two shots, along with AJ Morgado and Maarten Brands with two shots each. Valencia and Brands recorded the only two shots on goal for the Bulldogs. 

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