BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C.— The Montreat men's soccer team was edged in the final minute of play against the Tennessee Wesleyan University Bulldogs at home Saturday night. With the 1-0 defeat, the Cavaliers fell to 4-5 (3-4 AAC) on the season.
 
Tennessee Wesleyan (4-5-1, 3-2 AAC) controlled much of the possession in the opening moments of the contest, but it was the Cavs who recorded more chances in the first half. Montreat outshot the Bulldogs 8-2, and 2-0 on target, in the initial 45 minutes of play, but neither side could find the back of the net in the tight contest.
 
Though the game remained scoreless, the Cavaliers threatened in the 42^nd minute when they earned a free kick from about 25 yards out. Carlos Hernandez stepped over the ball and rocketed a shot off the left side of the goal's frame that rattled the crossbar.
 
In the second half, the visitors ramped up the pressure on Montreat's defense, notching 11 tries toward goal to the home team's seven. After going down a man in the 71^st minute, the Cavaliers felt additional weight as the field tilted Tennessee Wesleyan's way. Jesus Ramos made key saves to keep the match tied heading into the last minute of the competition, including a one-on-one breakaway from a TWU forward late in the game.
 
Despite the Cavs' best efforts down a player for almost 20 minutes, the Bulldogs broke through in the 90^th minute on a free kick opportunity. The set piece taken from the left side was curled into the box and eventually flicked over an outstretched Ramos with 48 seconds remaining in regulation. Ramos ended the evening with a pair of saves, while Montreat outshot TWU 15-13 overall.
 
Men's soccer is back in action at home against Kentucky Christian University on Wednesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:15 p.m.