On Saturday, August 28, the Montreat College men's soccer team travelled to Nashville, Tennessee to take on Trevecca Nazarene University in the Trojans' season opener. The Cavaliers, coming off a 2-0 victory over Emmanuel College and possessing a 1-0 record, were looking to create momentum early in the season. 

That momentum proved to be elusive, however, as the Trojans claimed an early first goal as a well-placed through ball found Trevecca's fleet forward Cole Parrott, who used his speed to beat senior Montreat defender Josef Yehia around the corner and slip a shot past goalkeeper Michael Bruce. 

Head Coach Brenton Benware was encouraged by the response he saw from his team as the Cavaliers remained composed and created a flurry of offensive chances in the first half, though they couldn't put one in the net. 

Montreat came out strong in the second half, controlling most of the game and probing a staunch Trojan defense. Finally, forward Brandon Hageman, a freshman from McKinney, Texas, tied the match at 1-1 when he finished off a beautiful play highlighted by passes from Paul Connell and Javier Cuellar, who were given assists.  It was Hageman's first goal of his collegiate career.

Unfortunately, miscommunication between two more freshmen - Bruce in goal and central defender Cesar Lopez - led to a late, game-winning goal for the Trojans, who tucked in an easy shot after a turnover for the 2-1 lead the Trojans held when the final whistle blew.

The Cavaliers will carry a 1-1 record into their Friday, September 3 encounter with Oklahoma Baptist University. Kickoff at Owen High School's field is at 7:00 p.m.