Experience had the upper hand as the Georgia Southern University men’s soccer team came up short when it went toe-to-toe with former Eagles on Saturday in the Alumni game.

Exchanges of hugs, handshakes and friendly conversation buzzed from the moment players stepped onto the field. It was definitely not just a competition, but a reunion amongst friends as well.

“We want the current players to take the game seriously and be competitive, but to also enjoy the experience of playing with players that laid down the foundation before them to give them the opportunities they have today,” assistant coach Ben Freakley said.

Over 30 alumni from different generations returned to play in the game. A connection between the past and the present is an essential goal hoped to be achieved by the alumni game.

Ultimately, having the alumni there to help the current players learn from past mistakes can prevent the same mistakes from continuing.

The alumni had the advantage from the jump, as they were playing with 14 players on the field compared to the usual 11. The advantage was apparent as the alumni went up 2-0 in the first half.

They finished off the match scoring 3 more goals and the current soccer team scored 2, ending the match with a score of 5-2.

GSU will play its last game of the spring season Sunday against Savannah College of Art and Design at home.