PIKEVILLE, Ky.— Battling Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) newcomer, the University of Pikeville Bears, on the road Saturday night, the Montreat men's soccer team utilized a goal in each half to secure its fourth consecutive victory. With the win, the Cavaliers moved to 4-3-1 (3-1 AAC) on the year.
 
After a series of three fouls to start the contest, the Cavaliers got on the board first just 4:08 into the game as Zeljko Stanojevic buried a pass from Rodrigo Jimenez.
 
The teams traded chances for the rest of the initial frame, but it was the visitors who had the more dangerous opportunities, nearly doubling their edge multiple times. Montreat, who held an 8-3 advantage in attempted shots through 45 minutes, almost struck for the second time on a well-worked play late in the period when Stanojevic headed a cross on frame in the 41^st minute before putting another header off the woodwork on the ensuing rebound.
 
Though the Cavaliers could not extend their edge in the first half, the Cavs tallied more shots on target (6-3) and more corners (3-2) over the span. Marius Braedstrup-Holm kept out both tries he faced.
 
As quickly as Montreat broke the deadlock in the opening frame, the visitors scored just as fast in the latter period. In the 50^th minute, a cross from Stanojevic was deflected home by Alex Klymenko to make it 2-0.
 
Looking for a third tally, the Cavaliers dominated play for the initial 30 minutes of the final half, pushing forward and hemming the Bears into their side of the field. As time waned in the second frame, Pikeville (3-4-1, 0-2-1 AAC) pressed for a goal of its own; however, the Montreat defense remained strong and sealed its third straight clean sheet. Braedstrup-Holm kept the home team off the scoreboard with his four saves.

"The guys played great again tonight. They fought hard for the entire game and really deserved this win," noted head coach Michael Bruce. He added, "They are reaping the rewards of their defensive improvement with a third shutout in a row. We are very excited to carry this momentum into the Reinhardt game on Wednesday."
 
In the end, the Cavs outshot the Bears 15-5, 10-5 on goal. The Cavaliers also registered four more corners than their counterparts.
 
Men's soccer returns to Pulliam Stadium on Wednesday for its next competition, a matchup with Reinhardt University. Montreat will attempt to grow its winning streak to five when the game kicks off at 6:45 p.m.