BLUEFIELD, W.Va.— The Montreat College men's soccer team scored a pair of second-half goals to erase its halftime deficit and secure a 2-1 victory over the Bluefield University Rams Wednesday evening. With the triumph at East River Complex, the Cavaliers climbed to 4-10-1 overall and 3-6-1 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matches. The defeat dropped BU to 1-11-1 (0-8-1 AAC) on the season.
 
As the match got underway, the Cavs were the squad applying early pressure. Jared McCall and Emmanuel Ntimeh managed shots within the opening 11 minutes, though both attempts went wide. Montreat continued to earn opportunities, with Predrag Grbovic and Emilio Ruiz delivering multiple corner kicks. Despite the visitors' offensive efforts, the Rams capitalized first with a goal against the run of play in the 13^th minute.
 
Maintaining an attacking approach, Montreat accumulated several corners and a blocked shot by Josiah Garrett. However, even with persistent offensive pressure, the Cavaliers were unable to find the back of the net. The frame closed with the away side trailing 1-0.
 
The second period commenced with the Cavs surging forward, as Ruiz's shot was blocked shortly after the restart. Montreat maintained its offensive drive, and it eventually paid dividends in the 64^th minute. Alejandro Hernandez served up a corner kick into the penalty area, and Ruiz headed the set piece home for his second tally of the year. The strike leveled the score at 1-1 and further snowballed momentum in the Cavaliers' favor.
 
Montreat continued to dominate possession and created a plethora of opportunities, including the game-winner. Amid traffic, Ntimeh contorted his body and looped a bicycle-like attempt over his shoulder and past the goalie. The Charlotte, N.C. native's fourth tally of the season put the visiting team in front, 2-1, with merely 6:50 remaining. Despite a late push from Bluefield, including a shot that hit the post, Montreat's defense held firm. The match concluded with the Cavs ahead, capturing all three points with their 2-1 AAC triumph.
 
"Tonight was not a night for good soccer," said head coach Michael Bruce. "After going behind, the guys really dug in deep in the second half. They worked so hard and fought for everything. That is the kind of work rate and effort that will help us push through to the end of the season."
 
Overall, the Cavaliers controlled the pace and flow of the contest. Montreat racked up significantly more shots (16-5), shots on goal (7-3) and corner kicks (11-2) than its counterpart.
 
Ruiz scored one goal on two total shot attempts. Hernandez also contributed offensively, doing so with an assist. Garrett led the squad with four shots, two of which were on target. Ntimeh registered his second game-winning goal of the year, tallying one strike on three shots. Defensively, Frankie Zavala notched two saves for his third win of the campaign.
 
In their next game, the Cavs will travel to Pineville, N.C., to face Johnson & Wales University Charlotte. The nonconference match is set for Saturday at 3 p.m. at OrthoCarolina Sportsplex.