MONTGOMERY, Ala. - In a rematch of last year's SSAC Quarterfinal, Thomas fell to Faulkner 2-1 on Saturday night.
The match was physical and defensive battle, with both teams demonstrating why they were both picked to finish in the top half of the conference in the the preseason. The scoring got started early as
Pablo Novoa scored his first career goal as a Night Hawk in the 7th minute off of an assist from
Will Nye. Faulkner began to turn up the pressure on the attack, but
Jorge Gonzalez was ready making several key saves as Thomas went into the half with a 1-0 lead.
In the second, the action reached a fever pitch in the early stages as a foul in the box set up Leo Ferire with a penalty kick which equalized the game at 1-1. Both teams felt the pressure and started to go all out, taking shots and making spectacular defensive plays. In the 58th minute,
Diego Saenz looked to had a goal to break the tie, but an offside call negated the goal. Later on a red card on Julio Cesar left the Eagles down a man and the Night Hawks tried to capitalize on it but the defense stood firm. Another foul in the box set up penalty kick which was converted to give Faulkner the lead in the 66th minute. A corner in the 89th minute gave the Night Hawks their best shot to tie but the header was saved by the Eagles goalkeeper to end the game.
Thomas looks to rebound next week on the road against Middle Georgia on Thursday, October 17 at 8:00 PM.
