SPARTANBURG, S.C.— Facing an NCAA Division II opponent on the road Saturday night, the Montreat men's soccer team fell to the Converse University Valkyries by a score of 6-0. The result dropped the Cavaliers to 0-2 to begin the 2022 season.
 
Converse (1-0) controlled play and held the ball in Montreat's half for most of the opening minutes. The pressure, which resulted in a trio of corner kicks within eight minutes, ultimately saw the Valkyries draw a penalty to take a 1-0 lead just 8:02 into the game.
 
The home team doubled its advantage in the 16^th minute following well-worked possession that resulted in a tap-in tally before Marius Braestrup-Holm thwarted a 1-on-1 and a rocket from the top of the box to keep the deficit at two midway through the first half.
 
Despite Braestrup-Holm's play in net, a giveaway in the back resulted in a third goal from Converse in the 31^st minute. The Cavaliers, who were pinned in their half with the exception of a couple free kicks throughout the first frame, failed to record a shot in the opening period. The Valkyries peppered the Cavs' goal with 16 shot attempts, six on net, in the first 45 minutes.
 
Montreat registered its first shot of the contest as Ethan Kerns stormed down the right wing and fired a low strike that was saved by a diving Converse keeper in the 58^th minute; however, the extent of the Cavaliers' control was limited to the single dangerous attempt.
 
A second penalty kick in the 64^th minute followed by a ball pinged off the post and in by the Valkyries in the 70^th gave the home side a five-goal edge with 20 minutes remaining. A set piece outside of the box added a sixth and final score with about 10 minutes left in the matchup.
 
Braestrup-Holm ended the night with four stops in goal for the Cavaliers. Overall, Converse outshot Montreat 25-1, 10-1 in shots on frame. The constant pressure also resulted in a 13-0 differential in corner kicks.

Head coach Michael Bruce noted, "Tonight was a tough end to a tough week. The team fought hard despite the adversity we were facing. We are excited to have a week of practice to rest, recover and improve before our next game."
 
Men's soccer now travels to Atlanta, Ga. for a neutral-site competition against the Faulkner University Eagles next Saturday at 5:00 p.m. as the team looks to capture its first win of the year.