BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C.— The Montreat men's soccer team snapped its 3-match skid Saturday evening when the Cavaliers routed the Johnson University (Tenn.) Royals at Pulliam Stadium. With the 8-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) triumph, the Cavs' record improved to 5-6-1 overall and 4-3-0 in AAC action.
 
Putting on a show during Homecoming weekend, Montreat poured in a trio of goals through the initial 45 minutes of action, two of which came from Rodrigo Jimenez. A native of Madrid, Spain, Jimenez opened the hosts' scoring account just 8:11 into the matchup. Ethan Kerns and Zeljko Stanojevic set up Jimenez's third tally of the season as the Cavaliers snagged the 1-0 lead.
 
Marius Braedstrup-Holm notched the first assist of his career on Jimenez's second goal in the 25^th minute. The Ballerup, Denmark native played the ball to Marcos Santiago, who in turn quickly dished a pass to Jimenez for the strike. Santiago then scored a goal of his own with only 70 seconds remaining in the frame to hand Montreat its 3-0 halftime lead.
 
While the Cavs dominated the scoreboard through 45 minutes, the official statistics presented a more evenly played contest. Johnson held an 11-10 edge in shots taken, but the hosts performed better in both shots on goal (6-3) and corner kicks taken (4-2). Braedstrup-Holm stopped a trio of looks prior to the intermission.
 
Two quick attempts at net vaulted the Cavaliers' advantage out to 5-0. Stanojevic expanded the lead to four goals at the 54:37 mark with his seventh tally of the season, and Jimenez captured his hat trick just 22 seconds later after Alex Klymenko forced a turnover in the attacking third.
 
Stanojevic pounced on the JU defense for the game's sixth score in the 64^th minute, and Ethan Grasso collected the first goal of his Cav career with 19:57 remaining in regulation. Ayden Krause finished off Montreat's offensive output in the 74^th minute as the hosts built their largest lead of the night at 8-0.
 
Johnson (0-9-2, 0-7-1 AAC) found the back on the net twice late in the match, but the goals in the waning minutes had little impact on the outcome as the Cavaliers wrapped up their 8-2 triumph to claim all three points.
 
"It was great to get a win under our belt after some tough losses," said head coach Michael Bruce. "The guys played very well in the second half. It was very nice to see our offense click tonight. We are now hoping to build some momentum in the homestretch."
 
The Royals put up a solid fight in most statistical categories, but a strong second half saw Montreat end the evening with more shots (25-18), shots on goal (14-7) and corner kicks (7-4). Jimenez tallied three goals and an assist, while Stanojevic contributed a brace and a trio of helpers. Braedstrup-Holm made four saves on the day.
 
The Montreat men's soccer team continues its 3-match homestand on Wednesday with a conference matchup against the Columbia College (S.C.) Koalas. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. in Black Mountain, N.C.