ST. PETERSBURG – Pharrell Williams found the back of the net in the 87th minute to lift the Eckerd men's soccer team to a 3-2 victory over Middle Georgia State in its season opener Friday night at Johnson Field.

After a defensive battle to begin the game, the Tritons struck first in the 33rd minute. Tristan Bassette set up Tatum Fain, who finished for his first goal of the season to send Eckerd into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.

Middle Georgia State leveled the contest just 41 seconds into the second half, but Eckerd quickly answered. Nico Fischer connected with Sebastian Schmalbach in the 54th minute, with Schmalbach putting the Tritons back in front, 2-1.

The Knights equalized again in the 72nd minute before Eckerd delivered the decisive strike late. Fain played the ball to Williams, who scored in the 87th minute to secure the 3-2 victory.

Eckerd outshot Middle Georgia State 10-8, while the Knights held a 6-4 edge in shots on goal. Trent Murphy recorded four saves in net for the Tritons.

Fain led the attack with a goal and an assist, while Bassette and Fischer each added an assist.

Eckerd will be back in action Sunday to host Barton.