BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — The Montreat College men's soccer team dropped a 4-1 decision to Columbia International University on Wednesday in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup. The Cavaliers matched the Rams with 11 shots and held an advantage in corner kicks, but CIU scored three times after halftime. With the result, the Cavs moved to 2-3-1 overall (0-3-0 AAC), while CIU improved to 3-3-2 overall (1-1-1 AAC).
Striking first in the seventh minute, Emmanuel Ntimeh finished a feed from Uros Markovic for his fourth goal of the season, putting the Cavaliers out in front early. The goal came after Montreat recorded a shot and a corner kick from Emilio Ruiz, as well as a blocked attempt by Markovic. Columbia International answered at the 18:59 mark, however, leveling the score at 1-1.
The hosts nearly regained the lead in the 23rd minute when Ricardas Milasius hit the right post. Jose Solano then forced a save before Ethan Grasso sent a shot high around the 33-minute mark. The Cavs continued to apply pressure late in the half, earning three corner kicks between the 40th and 45th minutes, but the teams entered halftime tied at 1-1.
Columbia International came out of the break with two goals in the opening 11 minutes, taking a 3-1 lead by the 55:54 mark. Montreat's first shot of the second half came in the 59th minute when Markovic headed an attempt high. The Rams added another tally in the 64th minute to extend their advantage to 4-1.
The Cavaliers continued to create opportunities late, with Viktor Mladenov having an attempt blocked, Solano earning a corner kick and Sako Mo forcing a save from the CIU goalkeeper. The closing minutes featured several cards, but the Rams maintained their three-goal advantage through the final whistle.
Montreat held the edge in corner kicks, 6-2, while the visitors finished with a 6-3 advantage in shots on goal. The teams were even in total shots and saves at 11 and two apiece, respectively. Both sides were also called for 16 fouls.
Ntimeh powered the Cavaliers with two shots, including one on target, while Markovic contributed an assist and two tries. Solano also recorded two attempts with one on frame, and Mo finished with one shot on goal. Milasius, Ruiz and Mladenov each added one shot for Montreat. In goal, Joey Randazzo played all 90 minutes and made two saves.
Up next, the Cavs host Carolina University for a nonconference match on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Pulliam Stadium in Black Mountain, N.C. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
