JACKSON, Miss. – The Millsaps men's soccer team fell just short in their season-opening matchup against McMurry University, 1-0 at Harper Davis Field on Friday.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Michael Hamauei tallied three saves, while senior forward Jacks Dowdy recorded four shots with two on target. Newcomer and graduate midfielder Nicolas Nieto looked impressive across the field, generating three shot attempts. Sophomore midfielder Sam Cagle also notched a shot on goal.
 
McMurry outshot the Majors by a tally of 15-8, but both teams succeeded by landing four shots on frame a piece. It was an intense matchup with both teams combining for five yellow cards in total – two for McMurry and three for the Majors.
 
McMurry (1-0) started off fast with a shot from beyond that eighteen box which hit off the crossbar and found its way out of bounds in the opening minute. The War Hawks also had a free chance from outside the box that narrowly went over the goal.
 
Hamauei made a stellar one-on-one save with 37 minutes left in the first half to keep the score tied. He made another superb one-on-one save later in the game.
 
It wasn't until the 41st minute the War Hawks managed a half-volley goal from just beyond the area to light up the scoreboard. The clearing attempt bounced and landed out front in front of the eventual goal scorer.
 
The Majors began to find opportunities to score in the second half where Dowdy had two chances in the 51st and 53rd minutes and Cagle also had a chance during the comeback attempt.
 
In the closing moments of the half, the Majors had several close calls in front of the goal with Dowdy hitting a shot saved by the McMurry goalie with six minutes left to play.
 
Millsaps returns to host Schreiner University at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Live stats and video for the match will be available at gomajors.com.
 
 
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Millsaps men's soccer program follow the Majors on Twitter and Instagram, like Millsaps Majors Athletics on Facebook or visit gomajors.com.