COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Montreat College men's soccer team fell 2-1 to Columbia College in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) road matchup on Wednesday evening. The Cavaliers registered 12 shots, with seven on target, but managed just one goal in the defeat. With the result, Montreat moved to 2-4-3 overall (0-4-1 AAC), while CC improved to 3-5-0 (1-5-0 AAC).
Emmanuel Ntimeh and Alejandro Hernandez each sent shots wide early in the opening frame, while Emilio Ruiz delivered a corner and Viktor Mladenov tested the goalkeeper in the seventh minute. The Koalas opened the scoring just over nine minutes in to take a 1-0 lead. Montreat continued to create opportunities off Ruiz's service, with Ntimeh putting an attempt on target in the 16th minute. Mladenov later forced another save following a Ruiz corner in the 23rd.
The Cavs generated another spell of pressure from the 31:30 to 37:25 marks, earning three corner kicks from Hernandez and Jose Solano. Hernandez also tested the goalkeeper during the stretch, while Joey Randazzo recorded two saves. Columbia maintained its 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Montreat pushed for an equalizer with four shots and three corners between the 55th and 64th minutes. Mladenov had an attempt saved, Solano struck the post, Ntimeh forced another stop and Ethan Grasso sent a shot high. The hosts responded with pressure of their own, but Randazzo turned aside a strike while another went wide to keep the deficit at one.
Solano brought the Cavaliers level in the 81st minute, finishing off an assist from Ntimeh to make it 1-1. The Koalas responded just 98 seconds later, however, finding the net with 8:15 remaining to reclaim the advantage. Montreat searched for another equalizer in the closing moments but could not break through as Columbia secured the 2-1 triumph.
The Cavs held a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks and were whistled for nine fouls. CC totaled more shots (14-12) and saves (6-5) while committing 10 fouls. Both teams registered seven shots on goal.
Solano scored and finished with three shots, including one on target. Ntimeh added an assist and three attempts, two of which landed on frame. Mladenov placed all three of his chances on goal, while Hernandez recorded three shots with one on target. Randazzo played all 90 minutes in net and made four saves.
The Cavaliers return home on Saturday, Oct. 10, as they welcome Bryan College to Pulliam Stadium for a Homecoming & Family Weekend matchup. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. in Black Mountain, N.C.
