MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Several heroic defensive plays kept Faulkner (0-2) within striking distance two goals down Tuesday night at the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex despite absorbing pressure most of the match until a second penalty awarded to Martin Methodist (1-0) in the 79th minute followed by a second goal 11 seconds later put the game out of reach at the 4-0 final scoreline.

Megan White stood tall in net with three masterful saves before Yuki Watari found just enough height on the chip to get past the keeper in the 20th minute. The 2019 First-Team All-SSAC keeper stopped a penalty in the 35th minute before the taker broke free with seven minutes to play in the opening half to double the RedHawk advantage. She'd finish the night with eight saves. Emily Hammac perfectly times a slide tackle in the 32nd minute to disrupt a one-on-one in front of the Lady Eagle net.

Faulkner's biggest chance game just two minutes after the interval when Nanako Omae pulled the trigger from outside the box for the opposite top corner but curled it just wide. 

The two-goal burst late in the match came from a penalty converted by Suzuho Yamasaki and a solo effort from Adisa Amang. Martin Methodist fired 29 shots with 12 on target to Faulkner's six with five on frame.

The Lady Eagles travel to Hattiesburg, Miss. Saturday to face another national powerhouse who wears red and black, William Carey, in a non-conference contest. The two SSAC sides face off at 5 p.m.