CLEVELAND, Ga. (October 21, 2023) – On Saturday, the Truett McConnell University men's soccer team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference opponent Montreat College, where the Bears secured their fifth straight win after a stellar performance against the Cavaliers (2-1). TMU rises to an overall record of 9-2-2, 7-2-2 AAC, while MC falls to a record of 6-9-1, 5-6 ACC. 
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
The first half saw the Bears hot with a shot by Oscar Brennan, along with two header shots by Maury Ibarra and Caleb Diaz in the first six minutes of regulation. TMU kept their momentum rolling as a ball from Brennan and found its way into perfect position for Diaz to head it in and put the Bears up by one. The Bears continued to work hard on defense, keeping the Cavaliers scoreless as they headed into the half, 1-0.
 
The second half saw a change of energy from MC as they took two shots in the first minute, but the Bears were not shaken as they continued to defend their goal. A handball foul in the box attempted to give the Cavaliers a chance with a penalty kick but was ultimately proved no challenge as keeper Aleksa Lukic stayed sharp in goal, eliminating the chance for the gap to be bridged. TMU continued to work offensively as Brennan was able to put another good ball in motion, allowing Jose Ventura to score the Bears second goal of the evening in the 85^th minute. A last chance attempt by MC finally put the Cavaliers on the board in 88^th minute as they scored their lone goal of the day, but the Bears held the visiting team to one as the game ended with a final score of 2-1.
 
LEADERS
Ventura led the way with one goal and three shots, followed by Diaz with one goal and two shots. Brennan followed with two assists and two shots, while Ibarra tallied four shots and Will Fraser-Gray has three shots. Keeper Lukic recorded nine saves on the evening.
 
UP NEXT
The Bears will be back in action at home on Wednesday, October 25^th, as they host new AAC opponent, University of Pikeville in a conference match-up. Kick off set for 1:00 p.m.