MIDWAY, Ky. — Fresh off its first victory of the 2026 season, the Midway men's soccer team looks to keep the momentum rolling Friday afternoon when it welcomes Bryan College (Tenn.) to Midway Turf Field on Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Friday marks the first meeting between the Eagles and Lions and is the second of three matches in a busy week for Midway. The Eagles enter the contest with a 1-1-2 record, while Bryan comes to Midway at 1-2 overall.
Eagles Break Through
Midway enters Friday looking to build off Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Transylvania, its first win of the season and first multi-goal performance of the campaign.
The Eagles found themselves trailing early before Saleh Ekuchi provided the equalizer. Midway eventually broke through for the game-winner as Miles Ezell found the back of the net, giving the senior his first goal of the season and the Eagles a much-needed result on their home turf.
The victory continued a balanced start offensively for Midway. Four different Eagles — Ezell, Leger, George Spencer and Martin Escobar — have accounted for the team's four goals this season. Saleh Ekuchi leads the Eagles with two assists, while Rhys Dickson has added one.
Ezell has been one of Midway's biggest threats in the attacking third, putting four of his five shots on goal. Spencer leads the team with nine shots, including four on frame, while Elijah Orren has put all three of his attempts on target.
Midway has also shown an ability to respond after halftime. Three of the Eagles' four goals this season have come in the second half.
Scouting the Lions
Bryan enters Friday with a 1-2 record and a 1-0 mark in Appalachian Athletic Conference play. The Lions have scored just once through their opening three matches while allowing 10 goals. They have generated 17 shots, putting nine on frame.
Zeke Lawyer has provided Bryan's lone goal of the season. The junior defender has started all three contests and scored on one of his two attempts, with both of his shots landing on target. Carson Haiflich leads the Lions with three shots, while Josh Hernandez has placed both of his attempts on goal.
Santiago Morales has handled the work in goal, playing all 270 minutes through the first three matches. Morales has made 22 saves and owns a .688 save percentage while allowing 10 goals.
Bryan is led by eighth-year head coach Jeremy Davidson, a 1998 Bryan graduate and two-time NCCAA Second Team All-American. Davidson led the Lions to a conference championship in 2024 after previously guiding the program to a conference runner-up finish in 2019.
FAN ADVISORY:
Fans attending Saturday's contest are encouraged to plan ahead due to the Midway Fall Festival taking place in downtown Midway. Increased traffic, road closures and limited parking may impact travel to campus. Fans should plan to leave earlier than usual and allow additional time to arrive at the venue before the start of the game.
About Midway University Athletics
Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and its 29 athletics teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.
