BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C.— The Montreat College men's soccer team defeated Reinhardt University 2-0 on Saturday at Pulliam Stadium after a nearly two-hour lightning delay. Scoring once in each half, the Cavaliers' Homecoming & Family Weekend victory marked their first win over the Eagles since Nov. 3, 2017. Montreat's defense secured the shutout with five saves.
 
Behind its initial clean sheet of the season and its second consecutive triumph, Montreat improved to 2-7-1 overall and 1-3-1 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play. Reinhardt fell to 2-4-2 overall and 2-2-1 in conference action following the defeat.
 
"I feel like we've been on the way up for a few weeks now, things are starting to come together and the guys are playing well," said assistant coach Adam Lund. "We had a good week of practice, and that continued into the game today."
 
The first half began with the Cavs establishing early momentum as Ethan Grasso scored in the 5th minute, marking his second goal of the season. Frankie Zavala, positioned in goal, made several saves to maintain the hosts' lead, including a notable stop off a header right in front of goal.
 
Montreat continued to apply pressure with offensive efforts from Predrag Grbovic, although his attempts were off target. The Eagles' attacks were thwarted by the Cavaliers' defense and Zavala's saves, as well as the crossbar on an attempt in frame's closing minutes. Montreat ended the first half in front, leading 1-0.
 
The Cavs initiated the second half with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Josiah Garrett's early shot that was saved by Reinhardt's goalkeeper. Despite facing defensive resistance, the Cavaliers continued to apply pressure, with multiple shots from Garrett and Grbovic being blocked.
 
As the period progressed, Montreat's persistence paid off when Grasso found the back of the net again, this time in the 84th minute. RU attempted to counter, but Zavala and the Cavalier defense successfully managed Reinhardt's efforts, ensuring the home team closed out the match with a 2-0 edge.
 
Overall, the Eagles finished the match with slight statistical advantages in shots (18-13), shots on goal (5-4) and corner kicks (6-4).
 
Grasso led the Cavs with two goals, including the game-winner, from his two shots on target. Zavala contributed to the team's defensive efforts with five saves, maintaining a shutout over 90 minutes. Grbovic was active in the midfield, recording four shots with one on target.
 
"It's obviously nice to be the one scoring goals, but I have to give a shoutout to the rest of my teammates for working hard and giving us the opportunities," Grasso shared. "I think we were all just on the same page, ready to work hard and ready to win."
 
Looking ahead, Montreat will host Columbia College on Wednesday, Oct. 1 for a 5 p.m. matchup at Pulliam Stadium in Black Mountain, N.C.