An eighth minute rebound goal from William Carey (8-0, 1-0 SSAC) was all there was to separate the number one team in the nation from upset-minded Faulkner (4-4-1, 0-1 SSAC) 1-0 Thursday night at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium in a Southern States Athletic Conference matchup.

Defending SSAC player of the year Joaquin Ruiz Cabello laced a dangerous free kick on target for the upper corner in the eighth minute for the Crusdaders. Caio Calado made a tremendous save on the effort, but was unlucky with the rebound falling to Michael Conejero on the far post alone. The rebound was converted for the only score in the game. 

Calado (4-4-1) was spectacular between the sticks tonight with five saves, including a 76th minute effort to keep the Eagles in the game in a point-blank save.

Unfortunately, Eagles were unable to record a shot on target during the game. Luke Deacy had two efforts back-to-back in the 69th minute that were blocked before they could get to the William Carey keeper.

However, the Eagles showed they can compete with anyone in the country as the Crusaders had won five of their previous seven games by multiple goals. Faulkner will look to do so Saturday night at 7:30 against in-state conference rival, No. 3 Mobile.