NASHVILLE - The Trevecca Nazarene University men's soccer team enters its first-ever Gulf South Conference postseason after an eventful regular season. Voted 11th in the GSC Preseason Coaches' poll, the Trojans have defied expectations, securing the sixth seed in the playoffs. They are set to face third-seeded and No. 24 Auburn University at Montgomery (9-2-5) on Saturday, November 9. 
 
Season Recap

After opening the season with a 2-2 decision on the road at Carson-Newman University, the Trojans returned home, dropping a 3-2 heartbreaker to UMSL. TNU bounced back to edge former Great Midwest rival Cedarville University 1-0. It is just the second win for the Trojans in the 23 all-time meetings with the Yellow Jackets. The final pre-conference match was a 4-3 shootout loss to Freed-Hardeman University. 
 
Next the Trojans recorded a historic 2-0 win over the University of Alabama in Huntsville on September 20, marking Trevecca's first Gulf South victory. Chris Douglas opened his account with a brace, setting the tone for a strong start. The Trojans rounded off their first week with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against West Alabama, collecting four crucial points.
 
However, the momentum shifted as the team endured a three-game losing streak to the University of Montevallo (3-0), then No. 11 Auburn University at Montgomery (2-0), and RV University of West Florida (6-1). Despite the setbacks, the Trojans regrouped making a push to the postseason.
 
The Purple and White edged past Spring Hill College 2-1 on October 6 and, after a non-conference tilt at Midway, the Trojans defeated Lee University 1-0 on October 19, thanks to a late game-winner from Phillip Collins.
 
In late October, after dropping a tilt at Mississippi College, Trevecca showed resilience in a 1-1 draw against Delta State, where Chris Douglas found the equalizer shortly after falling behind. The Trojans then clinched their playoff berth in thrilling fashion on the road, defeating Union University 4-2 in a match that saw six goals and a dramatic comeback after surrendering a 2-0 lead.
 
The regular season finale saw the Trojans take a 2-0 loss at Christian Brothers. 
 
By the Numbers

Trevecca's offense has averaged 13.5 shots per game, netting 13 goals in conference play. The defense, led by standout goalkeeper Adan Gonzalez, held firm, giving the Trojans a fighting chance in every match.
 
Since transitioning to NCAA Division II, this marks Trevecca's seventh postseason appearance, but the team is still searching for its first playoff win. Their last postseason run was in 2017, making this a significant return to the spotlight.
 
AUM Warhawks Matchup (Sep. 29 Recap)

In their regular season clash, then No. 11 AUM (9-2-5, 7-2-2 GSC) capitalized on an early Trevecca miscue. An errant goal kick in the fifth minute allowed Adam Hanson to set up Benjamin Hoffman for the opening goal. AUM added a second goal in the 78th minute, with Carlo Russo heading in a cross from Nick Atkinson.
 
Despite the 2-0 loss, Adan Gonzalez stood tall, recording six saves, including a crucial stop on a penalty.
 
The Warhawks started the season 5-0-5 and have been ranked in eight of the nine regular season NCAA Division II polls. They were ranked as high as No. 5 and were in the top 11 the first five weeks. Though they dropped out of the poll in week eight. 
 
Their only two losses are to No. 9 University of West Florida and Christian Brothers. 
 
Keeper William Blake is third in the league with an 1.048 goals against average. Benjamin Hoffman, who has ten goals on the season, leads the Warhawks in goals. Landon Surratt leads the GSC with seven assists. 
 
Key Players to Watch

Chris Douglas (Forward): 
The freshman has been a revelation, leading the Trojans with six goals and three assists, all but two contributions coming in conference play. His six goals are tied for seventh most in the league.

He's earned multiple weekly awards, including:
Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Week (09/10/24, 09/24/24)
Tennessee Sports Writer's Association Player of the Week (11/05/24)

Josh Farrell (Defender): 
A rock at the back and a leader on the field, Farrell chipped in two goals and one assist in the regular season while anchoring Trevecca's defensive line.

Max Titterington (Defender/Midfielder): 
Titterington has excelled in multiple roles, whether as a center-back, holding midfielder, and even as an "8." His adaptability earned him GSC Defensive Player of the Week honors on Sep. 17.

Adan Gonzalez (Goalkeeper): 
The senior shot-stopper has been a standout performer with 70 saves and a .722 save percentage and averaged 5.5 saves per game, all career highs and enough to lead GSC playoff-bound goalkeepers. Gonzalez is second in the league in saves per game. 

His three shutouts this season are second most in the NCAA Division II era at Trevecca. 

Gonzalez is now second in career shutouts in the NCAA Division II era with seven and his career goals against average (1.725) is also second. He's third in career wins, saves, and games played. 

He's earned multiple weekly awards, including:
Tennessee Sports Writer's Association Player of the Week (09/25/24) 
Gulf South Conference Goalkeeper of the Week (09/24/24, 10/22/24) 

Freshmen Standouts: 
Both Daniel Shiel and Phillip Collins have contributed with two goals each, adding depth to the Trojans' offense.
 
What's Next
Trevecca will visit third-seeded AUM in the GSC quarterfinals on November 9 at 7:00 PM.
 
HOW TO WATCH
For the first time ever, all regular season soccer matches will be streamed exclusively on FloSports and FloFC. Fans who subscribe here can secure special GSC pricing, and those who use an .edu email from a GSC school-playing member institution can save even more on monthly or annual subscriptions.