PINEVILLE, N.C.— Montreat College's men's soccer team traveled to the Johnson & Wales University Charlotte Wildcats for a nonconference affair Saturday afternoon. The Cavaliers tied JWU Charlotte after 90 minutes via a 2-2 scoreline. With the draw, Montreat moved to 4-10-2, while the Wildcats' record moved to 6-6-3.
 
Montreat got on the board just 15 minutes into the opening frame. A corner kick taken by Alejandro Hernandez found the noggin of Drake Fowler. The senior from Murphy, N.C. lobbed the ball into the net, giving the Cavaliers a 1-0 advantage. The effort was Fowler's third goal of the season, tied for second-best on the team. The Cav tied with him in the category is Emilio Ruiz, who also notched his third tally of the campaign via a free kick. From nearly 25 yards out, Ruiz quickly passed the ball to Jose Solano, who tapped it back to Ruiz for a curling, left-footed strike into the top left corner. As a result, Montreat doubled its lead with just over 20 minutes to play in the first half.
 
JWU Charlotte got a goal back before the break, cutting the Cavalier edge to just one in the 43^rd minute. Heading into halftime, Montreat had taken five shots with four on goal. Johnson & Wales took nine shots with one on frame.
 
In the second period of play, the home side took the momentum. JWU Charlotte had most of the possession and was looking for the tying effort. The Wildcats equalized in the 81^st minute, eliminating the Montreat lead. From there, neither squad could seize the opportunity to win the match, and after the full-time whistle, the game resulted in a 2-2 draw.
 
Individually, both Fowler and Ruiz scored their third goals of the season. Hernandez and Solano each recorded an assist as well. Greg Arce and Quinn Holland were also credited with a shot on target.
 
Altogether, the Cavs took five shots with four on frame. JWU took 13 with two on goal. The Wildcats were awarded nine corners, while the Cavaliers earned one. Montreat was called offside twice compared to JWU Charlotte's once. The visitors were whistled for 18 fouls, while the hosts were whistled for 10.
 
"We played a really strong first half, and it was disappointing to throw away a two-goal lead," said head coach Michael Bruce. "It was positive to share some minutes around today and get some playing time for guys that needed some match sharpness. We are excited to get back to conference play to finish up the season."
 
Up next, Montreat jumps back into Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) action as it visits the University of Pikeville Bears on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The conference clash is slated for 5:30 p.m. in Pikeville, Ky.