SMC Men’s Soccer Claims Program’s First Conference Win

BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. – The Spartanburg Methodist College men's soccer team picked up its first-ever Appalachian Athletic Conference win, scoring twice in the second half to secure a 3-1 victory over host Montreat on Saturday.

SMC (1-3-1, 1-1-1 AAC) struck first in the 22nd minute when Max Charleston capitalized on a rebound. The play began with Tomas Vega setting up Joaquin Gillum, whose shot hit the left post. Charleston alertly followed the rebound and fired it past the keeper for the early lead.

Montreat (0-6-1, 0-2-1 AAC) pulled even in the 48th minute on an unassisted goal by Alejandro Hernandez.

Head coach Doug Smith praised his team's progress and composure in the win. "Every game we've continued to grow and improve, and today reflected that hard work," Smith said. "After a tough, hard-fought match against CIU on Wednesday where we came away with a point, the team responded with great energy and focus. All three goals were scored by underclassmen—proof of the young talent we have and how much this group is developing each day."

Both teams generated offensive chances throughout the match, combining for 23 shots, with Montreat holding a slight 12-11 edge.

The Pioneers regained the lead in the 70th minute when Danilo Nikolic found Anthoney Bedolla Menera for his first collegiate goal. Bedolla Menera slipped in behind the Montreat defense and finished into the lower left corner for the go-ahead strike.

14 minutes later, Caleb Hall added insurance with an unassisted goal to seal the 3-1 result. SMC outshot Montreat 20-14, while Pioneer goalkeeper Francesco Molinar recorded two saves in the victory.

SMC now turns its attention to its next conference matchup against Reinhardt on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 4 p.m.