MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Carey's chances of securing the SSAC Regular Season Title took a hit, as they were defeated by Faulkner University 2-1 Thursday night.
 
After 19 minutes of back-and-forth action with neither team making anything happen, it was the Crusaders that broke the deadlock. In the 20^th minute,  after receiving the ball from Joshua Salas, Daniel Mulero turned and found Santiago Molina open on the far side.  Molina took one touch, and with his left foot, sent his shot towards goal. The ball easily went over the outstretched arms of the Faulkner keeper, clipping the underside of the crossbar before finding its way into the back of the net.
 
Just as fast as Carey took the lead, Faulkner cancelled it out thanks to a nice finish from Juan Rojas. Not much longer and the Eagles had the go ahead goal. Angel Ugwumba headed a cross off the crossbar and, unfortunately for WCU, finished his own rebound to put Faulkner ahead going into the break.
 
In the 59^th minute, Carey had a great chance coming off the foot of Mulero on a free kick. Mulero's shot twisted and turned its way towards the top right corner, but Faulkner keeper Andre Ferreira made a great diving save, just getting his hand to the ball sending it out for a corner kick.
 
On the ensuing corner kick, the Crusaders again had the chance with Bautista Curto. However, like before, Ferreira made the stop to keep the one goal lead. Two minutes later Pedro Sao Tiago had his chance from 10 yards as he shot off a pass from Mulero. Again, Tiago's effort was denied as Ferreira was in the right spot for the save.
 
WCU saw four more chances at a goal with the best look coming in the 81^st minute off the foot of Mulero. Eagle keeper Ferreira proved to be a brick wall on all four attempts to keep Carey from tying the game and preserving the win.
 
Carey is back in action Saturday, October 25, as they wrap up regular season play against Point University. Play is set to begin at 4:00 pm.