MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Faulkner scored twice in the first half while holding No. 22 Auburn Montgomery to a successful penalty kick in the second to gain it's first-ever win over the cross-town rival in today's Southern States Athletic Conference duel here at the AUM Soccer Complex. 

The victory also marked the program's first over a nationally-ranked opponent. The Eagles have toppled schools receiving votes at the national level, including last year's 2-0 decision over Houston-Victoria, but they've never been able to overcome a Top 25 team until this evening.

Faulkner, which entered the matchup at 0-10-1 lifetime against the Warhawks, took control just eight minutes into play when Costandinos Whitehead sent a cross to Jarom Farnsworth from the far right side of the box. Farnsworth chipped a shot over the sliding AUM goalkeeper to give the visitors the 1-0 lead.

AUM (7-4-1, 1-2 SSAC) seemed more irritated than overly concerned with the early deficit, but all that changed when the Faulkner duo struck again 15 minutes later.

Whitehead again came down the right flank and crossed another ball in from just outside box. Farnsworth followed with a brilliant header to the backside netting to extend Faulkner's lead.

Yannic Fallack finally put the home team on the board in the second half when he made good on a penalty kick try in the 51st minute. 

Despite numerous well-orchestrated attacks, outshooting the Eagles 14-to-four and Faulkner playing a man down for the final 13 minutes of regulation, the Warhawks never managed to offset the deficit.

"I just can't tell you enough how proud I am of this team right now," said head coach Kyle Beard after the win. "These boys really stepped up today. We've been really close to playing this well all season and tonight it all finally came together against our biggest rival. The guys came out calm and ready to win. AUM is a very good team, but we played well through everything they threw at us."

Diego da Silva (6-4-1) was nothing short of brilliant in the frame for the Eagles tallying six saves while allowing just a single goal in the upset.

Faulkner improved to 6-4-1 overall and 1-2 in the SSAC. The win puts the Eagles on the brink of yet another program first. Six wins ties the most in a single season, a record set in 2010. 

Faulkner will next host SSAC foe William Carey at John Mark Stallings Field on Thursday, Oct. 15th at 7 p.m.