DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Newcomer
Ruben Taks connected on a short-range shot in the 74
th minute to tally the game's first score, but Montevallo evened the game back up in the 83
rd minute and Sergio Gonzalez provided the Golden Goal just 81 seconds into overtime to lift the Falcons to a 2-1 victory over the Braves on Saturday afternoon.
It was the second-straight Peach Belt Conference setback for the Black & Gold (4-6-0, 2-2-0 PBC) who fell to 0-2-0 in neutral site contests this season as well. Montevallo (9-3-0, 4-3-0) has now won four of its last five outings, including three of its last four inside league play.
"We are disappointed with the result, however, I am extremely proud of how we played today," said UNCP head coach
John Miglarese. "The guys left everything on the field. Given the circumstances of this past week, I couldn't be more pleased with the character they showed today. Some bounces and calls didn't go our way which impacted a very even game. Regardless, Montevallo was a very difficult team to play and I give full credit to their players and coaching staff. "
Izzy Evans picked up his second assist of the campaign and managed a game-best four shots (1 on target) in the outing, while
Jordan Walshaw registered an assist as well. It was the second goal of the season for Taks who collected his first collegiate goal earlier this season against Clayton State.
Taks used passes from both Evans and Walshaw to break the scoreless deadlock with less than 17 minutes left to play, but the Falcons put together a furious counter that inevitably resulted in a score from Liam Moore that ricocheted off a UNCP defender and found its way past
Lucas Gusmao.
Montevallo found the only action in the first overtime period. Just more than a minute into the extra time, Patrick Morton emerged from a crowd to get off a shot that was stuffed, but Gonzalez took control of the rebound and found the back of the net.
The Braves will be back in action again on Wednesday when they head to Greenwood, S.C., to take on league-leading Lander (8-3-0, 5-0-0) in the back half of a 5 p.m. doubleheader at Van Taylor Stadium.