BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — The Montreat College men's soccer team lost a narrow 1-0 final to the University of Pikeville Bears in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play on Wednesday night. Hosting their final home match of the season, the Cavaliers couldn't overcome a second-half strike. As a result, the Cavs moved to 4-7-5 (2-7-2 AAC), while UPIKE improved to 7-7-2 (5-5-1 AAC).
Alejandro Hernandez registered a corner kick, and
Jared McCall sent a header high just over two minutes into the contest. Pikeville came back with the matchup's first two attempts on frame, but
Frankie Zavala proved up to the task with stops in the ninth and 10
th minutes.
The Cavaliers kept pressure on during a six-minute stretch midway through the period, earning additional corner kicks while
Emmanuel Ntimeh,
Ethan Grasso and Hernandez generated shots; however, only Ntimeh's header landed on target, and the Bears' goalkeeper notched the save. Ntimeh,
Jose Solano and Hernandez continued to pepper UPIKE's defensive-third with tries, but each effort was either blocked or off the mark. With neither squad able to break through, the two teams reached halftime in a scoreless stalemate.
During the intermission, the Cavs conducted a ceremony to honor nine seniors: McCall, Hernandez, Zavala,
Greg Arce, Grasso,
Logan Lograsso,
Che Amaya,
Luis Garcia and
Lynston Roberts.
"It has been encouraging to see the growth in all the seniors we honored tonight," said Head Coach
Michael Bruce. "Each of them has grown into young men that I know will go out after graduation and make a positive impact with their lives. I'm thankful for what each of them has brought to this program during their time here. They have really helped lay a solid foundation for future generations."
Montreat began the second half as the aggressor, with
Reuben Keeys forcing a stop just over four minutes into the frame. McCall also garnered multiple attempts in the 51
st minute. Even with the hosts' swift pressure, Pikeville ultimately struck first against the run of play with a curling rocket after 10:20 had passed.
Needing a win to keep their postseason hopes alive, the Cavaliers gave their all in searching for goals. McCall, Grasso and
Sako Mo had shots saved within four minutes of falling behind 1-0.
Viktor Mladenov and
Gabriel Caskett also recorded numerous blocked attempts. A Bears' red card with 19:54 remaining tilted momentum even further in Montreat's favor. Keeys and Hernandez combined for a trio of looks on target during the closing 16 minutes, but the equalizer never came. Despite a valiant performance, the Cavs landed just short in the end, losing a 1-0 decision to conclude their 2026 home schedule.
"Tonight was a hard one to take," Bruce shared. "The guys played extremely well and deserved more from the game and the season overall."
Montreat doubled its opposition in total shots taken (22-11), and it placed one more try on frame (8-7). The Cavaliers also maintained the upper hand in corner kicks (10-6), but UPIKE delivered two additional saves to survive on the road (8-6). The hosts were whistled for 13 fouls compared to the visitors' 12 fouls.
Hernandez accrued four shots and put two on goal. McCall also accumulated four shots, including one on frame. Keeys directed both of his tries on target. Zavala made five saves over 90 minutes in net.
The Montreat College men's soccer team ends its 2026 regular season on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Johnson University. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. in Knoxville, Tenn.
