by Taylor Hodges

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Eagles' soccer team (7-3-1, 1-2 SSAC) escaped tonight's Southern States Athletic Conference match against Martin Methodist (9-3, 2-1 SSAC) with a 1-0 victory on an own goal by the Redhawks in the 78th minute.

Faulkner was putting pressure on the MMC defense all night, but couldn't find a way to break through. That was until Victor De Souza crossed a ball from the right side of the field into the Redhawk box, and the ball took a deflection off of a defender's leg and into the goal.

Martin Methodist picked up its offensive pressure in the last 12 minutes, and even had a chance at equalizing in the 90th minute when the Redhawks were awarded a free kick from about 23 yards out. Jack McCarren took the shot, but the ball found the left post and went out of play as time started to expire.

Caio Calado (7-3-1) received the start for Faulkner in goal and recorded the shutout while making two saves.

"We played the best defense we've played all year," head coach Kyle Beard said. "They are a very good team, but we just played complete and calm the entire game"

The Eagles will next face off against Bethel University on Saturday at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m.