MONTREAT, N.C. — Julian Rodriguez scored twice, and CIU broke open a halftime tie with three goals in the second half to defeat Montreat 4-1 Wednesday night at Pulliam Stadium.
The Rams fell behind in the seventh minute but answered at 18:59 when Rodriguez scored off a pass from Ive Celic. CIU and Montreat went into halftime tied 1-1 despite the Cavaliers holding a 7-4 advantage in shots.
CIU took control early in the second half. Rodriguez scored the go-ahead goal at 52:14, with Fernando Ferro and Celic credited with assists. Winner Muya extended the lead to 3-1 at 55:54, and Ian Rau added a goal at 63:27.
Celic assisted on all four goals for the Rams (3-3-2, 1-1-1 AAC). Rodriguez's two goals gave him three for the season, while Muya scored his second. Goalkeeper Vasilios Diakomihalis made two saves as CIU held Montreat scoreless after the opening goal.
The teams finished even with 11 shots apiece, but CIU put six on goal to Montreat's three. The Rams generated seven of their shots in the second half.
CIU returns to Sessions Field on Saturday, Sept. 26, to face Bluefield University.
