Searcy, Ark.--- The Mississippi College men's soccer team defeated Harding University 1-0 on Friday night (Sept. 2) on the road in Searcy, Ark. Noah Wagner scored the goal for MC in the first half on a free kick to give the Choctaws the win. MC improves to 2-0 to start the season, while Harding falls to 0-3.

Wagner's goal came on a free kick in the 15th minute. Zach Diallo had drawn the foul several yards outside the box to set it up. Wagner then stepped up and took the free kick, putting it in the right side of the net to give MC the 1-0 lead with the lone goal of the match. The goal marks the first of the season for Wagner, and the eighth of his career.

The score would remain at that 1-0 mark for the remainder of the first half. In the first half, MC outshot Harding 11-5. The Choctaws also had a 7-1 edge in shots on goal in the opening 45 minutes.

The second half was an eventful one, even though a goal was not scored. There were eight bookings, as well as twelve shots combined between the two teams in the second half.

The biggest moment in the second half came around the 70th minute mark. There was a foul called that started a brouhaha and an intense exchanging of words. In the course of the action, MC's Luke Fanstone received a red card and was sent off. The Choctaws were forced to play the final 20 minutes with just ten men.

There was also another oddity later in the second half. MC received an indirect free kick in the box after Harding was called for their keeper picking up a ball that had been passed back to him by a teammate. MC would eventually attempt two shots on the play, but both were blocked.

Even down to ten men, The Choctaws were able to see out the match and pick up their second straight 1-0 win to open the season. For the match, the Choctaws outshot Harding 19-9 and held a 10-2 edge in shots on goal. MC also won the corner battle 4-2.

Guilherme Santos led the way for MC with four shots. Wagner and Nicolas Milot had three apiece.

Cole Wagner and the Choctaw defense picked up their second straight clean sheet to start the season in the match. Wagner made two saves.

Next up, MC will remain in Arkansas to battle Ouachita Baptist on Sunday morning (Sept. 4).