ANDERSON, S.C. — The Anderson University (2-0-1) men's soccer team defeated Montevallo (0-1-1), 2-0 on Wednesday at Spero Financial Field. The Trojans held a 14-6 shot advantage, put nine attempts on goal, and withstood four Falcons attacking actions from the 80th to 86th minute without conceding.
"We played a complete game from start to finish," said head coach
Michael Zion. "Some moments we suffered more than we wanted but overall a strong team performance. The team was disciplined, moved the ball well, and did a great job limiting their chances. A 2–0 result reflects the hard work and focus everyone brought today."
Adrian Castillo scored the game-winning goal and led AU with five shots, including three on goal.
Kaiden Smith added a goal on two shots, putting both attempts on frame.
Jace Hicks recorded an assist for the Black and Gold attack.
Banks Garrett made two saves over 45 scoreless minutes in goal.
In the 17th minute, Andre Etcheverry saved Castillo Monton's penalty kick, but Castillo Monton also scored to put the Trojans ahead 1-0. Earlier, AU established the opening flow with Castillo Monton's shot wide left in the 3rd minute,
Andres Giraldo's saved shot in the 5th minute, a corner kick in the 12th minute, and
Jonas Zethofer's shot high in the 14th minute. After the goal, the Black and Gold added another corner and a
Raul Perez shot high in the 24th minute, while the Falcons did not record a shot until Kagiso Mathabatha missed right in the 27th minute. Nicolas Ortiz put a shot on goal in the 36th minute that Etcheverry saved, and AU reached halftime with a 1-0 lead after holding the Falcons to one shot in the half.
Kaiden Smith gave the Trojans late separation in the 86th minute, finishing off a Hicks assist to move the home side ahead 2-0. Earlier, Garrett kept the Falcons off the board with a save on Benjamin Williams in the 48th minute before AU built pressure through Castillo Monton, Perez, and
Luis Munoz, recording four shots and a corner between the 52nd and 64th minutes.
Kenta Yagi added another shot on frame in the 71st minute, and the Black and Gold earned a corner in the 78th minute before withstanding a Falcons push that included a Garrett save, a corner, and two shots off target. Smith nearly added another in the 87th minute with a shot saved by Andre Etcheverry, and the Trojans closed out the half to finish a 2-0 win.
Up next, the Trojans host Coker on Sunday, Sept. 6, at 5:30 p.m. in Anderson, S.C.
