Men's Soccer Sings in the Rain Against Montreat (N.C.)

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

WALESKA, Ga. – The constant rainfall at Ken White Field at University Stadium didn't hold back the Eagles from their winning ways within the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) on Saturday night, as the hometown squad ran away from Montreat (N.C.), 5-1, in front of the home fans.

Reinhardt (4-0) was able to hold strong to its perfect record in the AAC after its handling of the Cavaliers on its Waleska turf.

"Grateful to have been able to get the match in with the weather in the area," head coach Joey Johnson said. "I thought the players battled hard against a quality Montreat side. Each match is an opportunity to learn and improve, both individually and collectively. We are thankful for each opportunity to take the field together."

The ominous conditions painted a picture of a low-scoring affair, but the hosts were able to jump on the board in less than five minutes courtesy of Pavel Dashin, who slammed the ball into the goal off a Gus Fidler feed.

The rain would begin to intensify – slowing the offensive effort on both sides – but Aaron Whitten broke the silence at 37:24 to give the Eagles a 2-0 cushion heading into the locker room. As the clock rolled into the second period, Fidler found himself on the receiving end of a pair of scores in an 11-minute span to double the Reinhardt lead.

Arthur Hugon then got the crowd on its feet at 83 minutes after a stellar make to put the hosts up a handful with just seven minutes remaining on the clock. Less than a minute later, however, Montreat broke its scoreless streak with a crafty score of its own.

Thirteen of Reinhardt's 17 attempts were on-goal, as numerous players notched a pair apiece.

Niko Tzevelekos earned another win after making a half-dozen saves in 90 minutes of play.

Reinhardt heads to South Carolina next to take on Columbia International on Oct. 28 at 3 p.m.

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For more information on Reinhardt Men's Soccer, please click here.