By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
MONTREAT, N.C. - A four-match road swing came to a close for men's soccer on Saturday afternoon, and it did so in exciting fashion, as the Eagles recorded a 1-0 win on the road at the Cavaliers of Montreat (N.C.) thanks to a header from Antonio Ciardiello in the 54th minute.
A precise pass from Leonardo Fagioli set up the goal and helped Reinhardt get back in the win column at 6-5-1 and 5-2-1 within the Appalachian Athletic Conference.
"We knew it was going to be a very challenging match today on the road against an AAC opponent that has been playing very well," head coach Joey Johnson said. "It has traditionally been, and continues to be, a venue that is difficult to secure a positive result and that is a credit to Coach Bruce and his program. I thought it was a gutsy performance from the guys and appreciate their hard work today.
On a personal note, I was happy to see senior midfielder Antonio Ciardiello score such an important goal off a header from a great cross driven in by Leonardo Fagioli."
The hard-fought battle saw both squads lay it all on the line on both the offensive and defensive ends. The Eagles rebounded from only two shots in the opening half to put together 10 attempts in the final period.
Jeremy Jaeger registered four shots, while Aaron Whitten was next in line with three.
Severin Ryf earned the shutout with a trio of stops as the defense was lights-out in front of him.
The team takes a brief step out of conference to take on Talladega (Ala.) on Tuesday night at home in a 7 p.m. contest.
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