BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C.— The Montreat College men's soccer team hosted the Columbia College Koalas in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) contest Wednesday evening at Pulliam Stadium. The Cavs fell by a final scoreline of 3-0 in the 90-minute battle. With the defeat, Montreat moved to 2-8-1 overall and 1-4-1 in the AAC. Columbia improved to 4-3-2 overall and 2-2-2 in conference play.
 
Two consecutive first-half corner kicks taken by Emilio Ruiz provided early offensive opportunities for Montreat. Unable to convert on them, the Cavs maintained pressure on Columbia. Uros Markovic attempted two shots, springing life into the offense. The Cavaliers' defense effectively countered the Koalas' advances. They stopped multiple corner kick opportunities and won a series of fouls committed by the visitors. As the half concluded, both teams remained scoreless. The Koalas took three shots, and the Cavs took two in the half. Neither team made a save in the opening period.
 
The second half began with Columbia taking the lead just two minutes in with a goal by Matthias Dennis, assisted by Andre Jackson. Montreat responded with offensive pressure, including shots by Predrag Grbovic and Kevin Palacios, though the hosts were unable to find the back of the net. The Koalas extended their advantage with a penalty kick goal by Dennis at the 56^th minute and a subsequent goal by Jacob Madeiros in the 62^nd minute. The Cavs continued to press, with shots from Ethan Grasso and a header from Emmanuel Ntimeh hitting the post. Despite Montreat's efforts to change the momentum, the match closed with Columbia holding a 3-0 lead.
 
Grbovic highlighted the Cavaliers' offense with three shots, including the only Montreat effort on goal. Grasso contributed with three shots as well. Additionally, Alejandro Hernandez, Kevin Palacios, Jose Solano, Emmanuel Ntimeh and Josiah Garrett were all credited with a shot. Frankie Zavala played all 90 minutes in goal, recording one save.
 
Altogether, the visitors had nine total shots with four on target. Montreat took 13 shots with just one on frame. The hosts were awarded eight corner kicks to the Koalas' seven. Montreat players were called for 12 fouls, while Columbia players had 16 whistles go against them.
 
"It was a frustrating game," said assistant coach Adam Lund. "It seems like we have been working so hard the past few weeks to get our season on track, and we took a few steps back today. We are hoping to bounce back this weekend and continue to move forward as a team."
 
Montreat will play its next game on the road against the Bryan College Lions on Oct. 4 in another AAC match held in Dayton, Tenn. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.