BLACK MOUNTAIN N.C.— The Montreat men's soccer team hosted and honored its seniors in the concluding home game of the 2023 season at Pulliam Stadium against the St. Andrews University Knights. Unfortunately, the Cavs suffered a tough loss as the final whistle blew, with a 2-1 tally that removed them from AAC Tournament contention. After the loss, the Cavaliers hold a record of 6-10-1 (5-7-0 AAC).
 
Montreat started the game with an early push and earned a corner kick from Rodrigo Jimenez, one of the seniors being honored. Despite an unsuccessful attempt, the Cavs kept the pressure on to score. However, as the first half progressed, the Knights gained control of the pitch and scored the first goal, leading 1-0 in the 39^th minute. At the break, SAU led shots 8-3, 4-2 on goal, and corners 4-1.
 
The match entered its final 45 minutes, and Jimenez scored just two minutes into the second half, assisted by Marcos Santiago, to tie the score 1-1. The game continued with both teams putting up intense defense, and the Cavs continued to challenge the Knights during the final minutes. In the 87^th minute, a foul was committed by the Knights' goalie, and a free kick was awarded to the Cavaliers. As the free kick was chipped, a Cavalier lost the ball, giving the Knights a potential chance with no goalie at the post because Montreat sent everyone forward needing a goal to stay in the postseason hunt. They proceeded to take a long shot, scoring a goal in the same minute to seal the 2-1 result. 
 
To conclude the tough match the Knights took control of the shots (18-11), but Marius Braedstrup-Holm managed to record more saves (8-7) than the visiting goalie. 
 
"This was an extremely tough way to [effectively] end our season. I feel like it was our entire season rolled up in one game," mentioned head coach Michael Bruce. "We showed some quality and good fight but could not put a whole game together. I am proud of our seniors for the service they have given to this program throughout their time here. We will go into our final game of the season against Bryan looking to show the quality that we have."
 
The Montreat men's soccer team is set to compete against Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn. on Saturday to conclude the 2023 regular season. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.