BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — The Montreat College men's soccer team fell to Truett McConnell University, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon in its Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) opener. The Cavaliers recorded 14 shots, including nine after halftime, but managed just two shots on goal as the Bears scored twice in the second half. The loss moved Montreat to 2-1-1 overall (0-1-0 AAC), while TMU improved to 2-1-2 (1-0-0 AAC) on the year.
The Cavs created an early opportunity in the fourth minute when Uros Markovic sent a header high. Emilio Ruiz registered Montreat's first shot on goal in the 16th minute before Alejandro Hernandez fired wide just three minutes later. Ruiz added another opportunity in the 38th minute but missed wide right.
Truett McConnell generated chances of its own, with two consecutive shots blocked in the 18th minute prior to a header that struck the woodwork at the 23:41 mark. Neither side could break through before halftime though, and the match remained scoreless at the break.
Montreat continued to generate chances early in the second half, with Jose Solano, Ethan Grasso, Ricardas Milasius and Hernandez each recording a shot between the 48th and 66th minutes. The Bears broke the deadlock in the 69th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Just over three minutes later, TMU found the net again to double its advantage.
The Cavaliers pushed for a response late, with Milasius nearly cutting into the deficit in the 80th minute; however, his attempt was stopped by the Bears' goalkeeper at the last second. Grasso had a shot blocked at 85:12, followed 16 seconds later by a Solano header that narrowly sailed wide right. Despite the attempts, Truett McConnell held on through the final minutes to secure the 2-0 victory.
Frankie Zavala recorded five saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal. Milasius led the Cavaliers with three shots, including one on frame, while Ruiz added two shots with one on target. Solano and Grasso each registered three shots, followed by Hernandez with two.
Montreat held a 5-2 advantage in saves while being whistled for 17 fouls. TMU finished with a 15-14 edge in shots and held a 7-2 advantage in shots on goal. The Bears also led in corner kicks, 4-3, while being called for 13 fouls.
"Our team put in a lot of effort today," said Head Coach Michael Bruce. "We worked very hard and gave everything. It is now time for us to fix the mentality and believe in the team that we can be and not the team we were. Once we get over this hump, we are going to be very dangerous."
Up next, Montreat welcomes No. 24 Union Commonwealth University to town on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Pulliam Stadium in Black Mountain, N.C.
