BLUFFTON, S.C. - Caio Pereria's second effort header and a clutch one-on-one save from
Matteo Scarduzio pulled a 1-1 draw for the Eagles (0-0-1) from a halftime deficit on the road against SCAD-Savannah (0-0-1) Thursday afternoon to open the season.
After conceding a 32nd minute penalty that felt largely against the flow of play as the Eagle defense limited good chances until then, Faulkner pressed offensively but could not find the equalizer before the break.
The moment came in the 54th minute from a free kick on the left side of the box drawn off a great run from
Leo Freire.
Matheus Rodrigues's initial service into the box was blocked by the wall, but the second cross paid off as a rebounded header fell right to the Brazilian center back who headed it across the line as the keeper pusheto tie.
Pereira's goal is the third time in four years that a defender has scored the first goal of the season. Last year was Felipe Piñeiro against these Bees at home and the 2019 season's goal scoring was opened by
Adrien Alexandre.
Just four minutes later, Giovanny Lares broke free in the middle of the penalty area but was quickly met with a charging Scarduzio who parried away the shot to keep things level.
Over the final minutes of the match, Faulkner was much more the aggressor trying to nab a road victory, but the Bees defended well.
Six different Eagles made their debuts.
Faulkner opens its home slate Saturday at 6 p.m. against Pensacola Christian. Before the match, there will be a ceremony honoring the memory of
Yuri Vasconcelos.
