MONTGOMERY, Ala. - A hot start to the first half and a lockdown defensive performance gave Faulkner a 3-0 win over Pensacola Christian Saturday night at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium to begin the 2024 season.
The scoring opened in the 2nd minute when
Alex Barros worked free and scored his first goal as an Eagle. The freshman chipped the keeper and as the ball was going towards goal a defender tried to clear it but was unable to clear the frame.
Eight minutes later,
Juan Rojas delivered an excellent through ball and
Julio Cesar dropped the goalkeeper and another defender before walking the ball in for the second goal. It was Cesar's 10th goal in his Faulkner career.
In the 38th minute,
Leo Freire pressed high and stole the ball away from a defender before powering home the one-on-one chance.
Defensively, the Eagles locked down the reigning NCCAA D2 Champions, allowing just a single shot and never really threatening as the defenders did not allow a shot on goal.
The offense provided a ton of opportunities, shooting 31 times with 11 on frame. The second half did not produce a goal as Pensacola Christian battened down in the 72nd minute following a red card.
Matteo Scarduzio picked up the goalkeeper clean sheet without having to stop a shot thanks to a stellar defensive performance from the entire squad including the trip who went the full 90 of
Hiro Tsuda,
Stephen Richards and
Colin Salle. Richards picked up his first varsity start as an Eagle and Salle his complete game was the second of his career. Freire also went the distance in the match as 17 players saw action.
Faulkner now turns its attention to the Mobile Tournament where the Eagles will face Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) for the first time in program history Thursday evening. Kickoff is set for 5:30 at the University of Mobile's stadium.
