MELBOURNE, Fla. (Men's Soccer) - Earning his first start of the season Sunday, junior forward Evan Enders capitalized on his opportunity, providing the game-winning goal in the 59^th minute to propel the Panthers to a 1-0 victory over West Alabama.

Florida Tech had to sweat it out, though, in the waning moments after West Alabama was awarded a free kick on the final play of the match. However, the Panthers were fortunate to come up with one final stop to pick up their second 'W' of the year.

"The result was important, another big one for us at this stage in the season when you need to pick up some regional wins," said Florida Tech head coach Robin Chan. "They're always tough competition, we knew that going in. Obviously, they're one of the teams that got a bid last year so it was important. It would've been nice to put the game out of reach earlier, but I thought the boys executed really well overall."

After falling 4-0 in their previous meeting with the Tigers in 2014, the Panthers earned a bit of revenge in front of the home crowd on Sunday. The Crimson and Gray outshot its Gulf South Conference opponent by a 21-5 margin, while also earning double-digit corner kicks in the effort.

The Panthers had a chance to pull in front in the 18^th minute, yet Adin Kavara had his penalty kick opportunity sniffed out by Preseason All-GSC selection Brad Louis.

Still knotted up at 0-0 in the second half, Florida finally broke through following a number of near scores earlier in the contest. Set up by a pair of freshmen in Per Henrik Nag and Brandon Smalley, Enders flicked the beautiful Smalley assist into the back of the net for his second goal of the season.  

That exact one-goal lead proved to plenty for keeper Chris Page, who recorded two saves en route to a clean sheet in just his first start in 2016.

"Chris is an experienced squad member," said Chan. "He's been working hard to get himself back on track, and we felt like today was a good day to get him out there."

Florida Tech will have a full five days in between matches as it gears up for its Sunshine State Conference opener next Saturday at 7 p.m. ET against Eckerd. For complete coverage of the action, log onto FloridaTechSports.com/live.