CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi Christian will look to earn its first win of the 2026 season when the Choctaws host Eckerd Friday at 4 p.m. CT at Robert P. Longabaugh Field.

Mississippi Christian enters the matchup 0-1-1 after opening the season with a 3-2 loss at No. 8 Lynn and a 1-1 draw against Saint Leo. The Choctaws have shown an ability to compete against quality opposition early in the season, but will look to turn that into their first victory Friday.

Against Saint Leo, Mississippi Christian battled to a 1-1 draw after falling behind early. Saint Leo took a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute, but the Choctaws continued to pressure the Lions before Brandon Reyes found the equalizer in the 80th minute. Patton Francis assisted on the goal.

The match was evenly played statistically, with both teams recording 12 shots and seven corner kicks. Mississippi Christian finished with five shots on goal, while Saint Leo had two.

Reyes' goal marked the Choctaws' first goal at home this season and gave Mississippi Christian momentum heading into Friday's matchup.

SCOUTING ECKERD

Eckerd enters Friday's match with a 1-1 record after splitting its opening two matches of the season.

The Tritons opened the year with a 3-2 victory over Middle Georgia State before falling 1-0 to Barton on Aug. 30.

Eckerd scored three times in its season opener, with Tatum Fain, Sebastian Schmalbach and Pharrell Williams finding the net. The Tritons recorded 10 shots in the victory and received four saves from goalkeeper Trent Murphy.

Against Barton, Eckerd was held scoreless despite recording four second-half shots. Murphy finished with five saves in the 1-0 loss.

Friday's matchup will be the first meeting of the season between the Choctaws and Tritons, with both teams looking to establish momentum before continuing their respective schedules.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Mississippi Christian vs. Eckerd
When: Friday, Sept. 4 | 4 p.m. CT
Where: Robert P. Longabaugh Field | Clinton, Miss.
Records: Mississippi Christian 0-1-1; Eckerd 1-1
Live Stats: Available HERE
Watch: Available through FloCollege