CLINTON, Miss. — The Mississippi Christian men's soccer team will have a nationally ranked challenge waiting at Robert P. Longabaugh Field on Saturday when the Choctaws take on No. 4 Auburn University at Montgomery in a Gulf South Conference matchup at noon.
AUM enters the contest as the No. 4 team in the nation, setting the stage for one of the Choctaws' toughest tests of the season.
CHOCTAWS LOOK TO MAKE HOME FIELD COUNT
Mississippi Christian enters Saturday's match at 2-4-2 overall and 1-2-1 in GSC play.
The Choctaws have produced 15 goals through eight matches while taking 108 shots, including 45 on goal.
Karim Gegg has been one of Mississippi Christian's biggest offensive threats, leading the team with five goals and 11 points. He also leads the Choctaws with 35 shots and 16 shots on goal.
Harry McLean has matched Gegg with five goals and enters the matchup with 10 points. McLean has scored his five goals on 10 shots.
Lian Feridani has added one goal and two assists, while Hayden Mulrooney leads the team with three assists.
Mississippi Christian is coming off a 2-1 loss at Lee on Sept. 26. The Choctaws previously earned their first conference victory of the season with a 3-1 win over Union and played Christian Brothers to a 2-2 draw.
AUM BRINGS NATIONAL RANKING TO CLINTON
AUM enters Saturday with an 8-1 overall record and a perfect 5-0 mark in GSC play.
The Warhawks are ranked No. 4 nationally, the highest ranking in program history.
AUM has scored 15 goals this season while allowing just six. The Warhawks have also recorded five shutouts through nine matches.
Jaden McKree leads AUM with three goals and seven points. Benjamin Hoffmann has two goals and two assists, while Sean O'Donnell has scored twice.
Alan De Paula has also played a key role for the Warhawks, scoring the game-winning goal in AUM's 1-0 victory over Lee and the lone goal in a 1-0 win over No. 15 Alabama Huntsville.
WARHAWKS ARRIVE ON A ROLL
AUM has won five straight matches and has not lost since Sept. 6.
The Warhawks have picked up consecutive conference victories over Lee, Spring Hill, Christian Brothers, Montevallo and Alabama Huntsville.
AUM's defense has been a major part of that run.
Goalkeeper Jakob Buhrkuhl has allowed just four goals in six appearances and owns an .833 save percentage. He has also recorded four shutouts.
The Warhawks have been especially effective in close matches, with several of their conference victories coming by a single goal.
CHOCTAWS FACE TOUGH TEST
Mississippi Christian will have to find ways to create scoring opportunities against an AUM defense that has been difficult to break down.
The Choctaws have the offensive firepower to challenge the Warhawks, with Gegg and McLean combining for 10 goals this season.
AUM, however, has allowed only six goals all season and enters Clinton with significant momentum.
The matchup will put Mississippi Christian's attack against one of the GSC's strongest defensive units while giving the Choctaws a chance to test themselves against one of the nation's top Division II teams.
A BIG SATURDAY IN CLINTON
For Mississippi Christian, Saturday's match is an opportunity to make an impression against a nationally ranked opponent on its home field.
For AUM, it is another chance to maintain its perfect conference record and continue its run near the top of the national rankings.
The Choctaws will look to set the tone early, defend their home field and challenge the No. 4 Warhawks from the opening whistle.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon Saturday at Robert P. Longabaugh Field in Clinton.
