MERIDIAN - Weeks of anticipation finally came to an end on Friday afternoon as the Northwest men's soccer program finally made its season debut on a rain-soaked field at Meridian.

Despite a close, physical battle throughout, the Rangers came out on the losing end with a 3-2 loss to the Eagles.

Zach Walker got the home team on the board nearly 10 minutes into the match, scoring unopposed past Northwest freshman goalkeeper Xzavier Paylor. The Rangers responded 10 minutes later, as a deep kick from Luis Cosme deflected off the head of Peyton Coker and into the net during the 20th minute of action.

Meridian would respond moments later though, as Dominique Bush dodged Paylor and sailed in another Eagles' goal. 

Northwest ended the first half on a strong note, as a shot from Cam Heinze deflected off the keeper and onto the foot of Dylan Riley, who tapped it in to make it a 2-2 draw at halftime.

Another 10-minute downpour opened the second half, making field conditions worse for both teams. As a result, the scoring remained non-existent until the 81st minute, when the Eagles got the game-winner Zion McClean off a double assist from Felipe Pansica and Wesley Purvis.

Meridian outshot the Rangers 23-13 (17-7 on goal), but Paylor earned 14 saves in his debut. Both teams combined for 21 fouls, leading to a pair of infractions against Blaine Galbraith and Hart Smith, along with Bush from MCC.

With the loss, Northwest opened the season with an 0-1 record, something the Rangers will look to change in Wednesday's upcoming home match with Copiah-Lincoln. The Wolves narrowly defeated the Rangers in overtime last spring in Wesson.

Match time is slated for a 3 P.M. start with live broadcast and live stat links available on nwccrangers.com.