BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C.— The Northwestern College Red Raiders (1-0-0) secured a 1-0 victory over the Montreat College men's soccer team Saturday afternoon thanks to a late goal at Pulliam Stadium. The matchup marked the first ever meeting between the two programs, and it served as the Cavaliers' first regular season contest since Hurricane Helene. With the defeat, the Cavs fell to 0-1-0 on the season.
 
The first half saw a stout defensive performance from Adrian Torres, who made four key saves for Montreat, helping to keep the game scoreless. NWC applied pressure with multiple shots, but Torres was consistently on target to deny them. Montreat's Andres Saborio had a notable opportunity in the 22^nd minute, but his shot went wide, leaving the match tied at the end of the initial half.
 
Each side began the second period vying for control, as Montreat saw attempts on goal from Alejandro Hernandez and Ethan Grasso, both of which were stopped in net. The Cavs continued to press but faced a strong defensive effort from the Red Raiders, which resulted in multiple saves and blocks. Despite Montreat's own impressive defensive efforts, Northwestern broke the deadlock in the final minute of play to secure a 1-0 victory for the visitors.
 
"It was great to get back out here," said head coach Michael Bruce. "The guys have been building toward this since we came back after Hurricane Helene. It was exciting to get back on the field and play somewhat positively. Obviously not the result we wanted, but it just feels freeing to be back on the field again."
 
Overall, the away side totaled 19 shots to the hosts' five. Six of NWC's attempts landed on frame, as did three of the Cavaliers' tries. Northwestern owned a 9-2 edge in corner kicks throughout the contest.
 
Torres made five saves in net for the Cavs, facing six shots and conceding one goal. Hernandez and Grasso were active offensively, with Hernandez placing one shot on target, while Grasso led the team with two shots on goal from two attempts. Saborio and Greg Arce each contributed with a shot attempt as well.
 
In its next game, the Montreat men's soccer team will play host to Southeastern University on August 25. The match will take place at Pulliam Stadium in Black Mountain, N.C., with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m.