WALESKA, Ga. — The Montreat College men's soccer team battled Reinhardt University to a 2-2 draw on Saturday in Waleska, Ga. The Cavaliers held advantages in shots (16-14) and shots on goal (10-4) but could not find a decisive finish late in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) contest. The result marked Montreat's first time earning points at Reinhardt since Nov. 3, 2017. With the result, the Cavs moved to 2-3-3 overall (0-3-1 AAC), while the Eagles shifted to 4-2-2 (2-1-2 AAC).
The Cavaliers applied early pressure, earning a corner kick through Alejandro Hernandez before Viktor Mladenov and Emmanuel Ntimeh had attempts saved, and Ethan Grasso sent a shot high. The Eagles opened the scoring at the 11:10 mark, but Montreat answered in the 31st minute when Ntimeh converted a Ricardas Milasius pass to even the match at 1-1 heading into halftime.
Montreat continued to create chances after the break, generating five shots and a corner kick by the 54th minute. Two Hernandez attempts were denied by defensive saves, while another effort from Erikas Kvedaravicius was also blocked. The Cavs took their first lead in the 59th minute when Mladenov finished a breakaway opportunity, making the score 2-1. Reinhardt responded with two corner kicks and three strikes between the 60:40 and 67:13 marks, but Joey Randazzo made a save and a Cavalier defender blocked another attempt.
The Eagles equalized in the 73rd minute, setting up a tense finish. Hernandez and Emilio Ruiz created late opportunities for the visitors, while the Cavaliers fended off three Reinhardt attempts in the final five minutes to preserve the draw.
Montreat held a 16-14 advantage in shots and a 10-4 edge in strikes on goal while committing eight fouls. The Eagles recorded six fouls and finished ahead in saves (8-2) and corner kicks (4-2).
Ntimeh scored once on three shots, putting two on frame, while Mladenov recorded an unassisted goal and placed both of his attempts on target. Milasius added an assist and one shot, and Hernandez put all three of his tries on goal. Jose Solano, Kvedaravicius and Diego Silvano also recorded a shot on target.
"We fought extremely hard and didn't come away with the result we wanted again," said Head Coach Michael Bruce. "We have to improve in both boxes to reach our potential. We will continue to work and push to get better and finish the season strong."
The Cavs return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 7, traveling to Columbia, S.C., to face Columbia College in an AAC matchup. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.
