GREENVILLE, S.C.— In a non-conference competition against the Bob Jones University Bruins Saturday evening, the Montreat men's soccer team fell on the road by a score of 6-2. With the result, the Cavaliers concluded the regular season with an 8-9 record.
 
As the teams looked to settle into the contest, the Bruins made the most of their initial chance. In only the third minute of play, Bob Jones utilized a give-and-go to send a forward in on goal, beating Christian Olaya, who got his first collegiate start in goal, with an impressive shot in the box to give itself a 1-0 advantage.
 
Ten minutes later, the Bruins drew a penalty kick as the Cavaliers fouled in their own area. The ensuing penalty was slotted past Olaya as BJU doubled its lead. Five minutes after their second, the Bruins added another thanks to a passing play through the Montreat defense.
 
The teams traded blows, but Bob Jones looked more energized, resulting in a fourth tally following a Cavalier giveaway in the defensive third in the 28^th minute.
 
Though the Cavs gained more possession in the remainder of the first period, including a shot that tested the Bob Jones keeper off the foot of Isaac Wilkening and a corner kick, the Bruins continued to be more composed on the ball heading into halftime. The home team outshot Montreat 12-2 in the opening 45 minutes.
 
Olaya sprawled to make a masterful stop 10 minutes into the second period following a BJU set piece opportunity. As the Bruins continued to pressure the Montreat defense, Olaya cut out a rocketed attempt headed for the top of the net. Moments later the freshman slid in front of goal to prevent a different scoring chance from the Bruins. Olaya ended the evening with five blocks.
 
The Cavs sent a free kick on target from William Stallworth in the 67^th minute and on the counterattack, the Harrogate, Tenn. native tested the Bruins' goalie from outside the box once more a few minutes later; however, the keeper was equal to both tasks.
 
Just after Stallworth's first chance, Bob Jones tallied its fifth goal in the 71^st minute and converted its second penalty in the 83^rd to lead by six.
 
Montreat pulled a goal back with 5:46 remaining as a ball in the midfield was headed onto John Adams' run by Isaac Wilkening. With a favorable angle and the Bruins' keeper charging, Adams deftly touched a rolling shot into the net for the Cavs' first of the game and his second tally in the past three competitions.
 
Pressing for more, Emmanuel Ohana found the back of the net with 30 seconds left for his first career goal. The freshman got on the end of a bouncing ball in the box following a free kick and powered home the ball into the right side of the goal to get on the scoresheet.
 
Despite the late offensive push, Montreat, who was outshot 24-10 overall and 11-6 on target, struggled to connect throughout the game.
 
Men's soccer now looks forward to the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament, which is slated to begin next week. For schedule updates, be sure to check www.montreatcavaliers.com.