MARIETTA, Ga. - Faulkner exacted revenge on Montreat Wednesday night for last season's defeat with a come-from-behind win at Lupo Family Field at Life University in a neutral site contest with a 2-1 victory to remain unbeaten heading into SSAC play for the first time in program history.
Montreat got on the board first in the 56th minute from Zeljko Stanojevic's goal from Rodrigo Jimenez. Just under 90 seconds later,
Caio Pereira found
Antoine Marques in a sea of bodies who headed home the equalizer. Pereira has tallied either a goal or an assist in all five matches he's played in this season. Marques has now scored seven goals in six matches which is tied for second most in the NAIA.
Julio Souza scored the eventual match winner in the 64th, dropping the keeper to the ground on the dribble and slotting in his fourth goal of the year. Moments later, the lights went out at the stadium causing a nearly 40 minute delay.
The match, however, was far from over in the eyes of both the Eagles and Cavaliers, especially after last year when Montreat scored thrice in the last 15 minutes including with less than 10 seconds to play to stun the Eagles last season.
The woodwork rattled three times in the second half, including both teams hitting the goal posts within two minutes of each other in the 79th and 81st minutes.
Faulkner's defense stood tall and allowed just one shot on goal after the Montreat goal as
Matteo Manzoni prevented the Cavaliers from taking the lead back in the 60th minute.
Faulkner remains unbeaten and holds the longest win streak in the country right now with five straight victories. The 5-0-1 record is even with the reigning national champions Bethel (Ind.) for best record in the NAIA.
The Eagles will travel to Brewton-Parker Thursday Sept. 14 to take on the Barons to open SSAC play.
