MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Auburn Montgomery men's soccer team opened up Gulf South Conference play on Friday, Sept. 17 with a 1-0 shutout win over preseason favorite Mississippi College.
 
With the win, AUM improves to 3-1-0 on the season and 1-0-0 in GSC competition.
 
A lightning delay prior to the game's start pushed kickoff back to 8:45 p.m.
 
After a scoreless first period that saw both teams take four shots each, AUM was finally able to break through and bag the game's lone goal in minute number 65. Franck Kouentchi found the back of the net after a pass from Renan Diniz hit him in stride to set up the score.
 
The Warhawks outshot MC on the night 9-7, with MC edging AUM in shots on goal, 5-4. The Orange and Black took 11 corner kicks in the game, compared to just four from the Choctaws.
 
In goal, Alexander Kraus picked up his second shutout of the season while grabbing five crucial saves along the way. The senior keeper improves to 3-1-0 on the season with the win.
 
"It's never easy having to deal with a lightning delay right before kickoff, but the boys showed great professionalism and focus by not being phased by it," Head Coach Matthew Thorne said. "Overall, I thought it was a great fight from everyone. Mississippi College is a fantastic side, and were picked to finish first in the preseason poll for a reason. Tonight was just a typical Gulf South Conference scrap, and it just goes to show you how deep this league is. There are never any days off. Overall, we're delighted for the win and will focus on recovery tomorrow and a tough Delta State squad coming in on Sunday."
 
The Warhawks will return to the pitch on Sunday, Sept. 19 when they host Delta State for game two of their 2021 GSC slate. Kickoff from the AUM Soccer Complex is set for 3:30 p.m. (CST)
 
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