Box Score

BELMONT, N.C. - Roberto Soares' hat trick led the Pfeiffer men's soccer team (14-4, 8-2 CC) to its record-breaking 14th win of the season as the Falcons ended the regular season with a 3-1 win at Belmont Abbey on Friday afternoon. Prior to this season, six different teams in the history of Pfeiffer Athletics reached 13 wins on the season, but the 2014 Falcons are now alone at the top of the record books.

Pfeiffer erased a 1-0 deficit as Soares scored all three of his goals in the second half to lead the team to the historic victory. The physical match saw Belmont Abbey called for 26 fouls and two yellow cards as they drop to 4-8-4 overall and 2-6-2 in league play.

Nicolas Dulac recorded his 13th victory in net with two saves. The first half goal from the Crusaders was the first score against the Falcons in 226 consecutive minutes of game action.

"We played a very determined team," said Head Coach Bob Reasso. "They played very physical and tried to knock us off our rhythm all game long."

The strategy worked for the first 45 minutes before Soares heated up. The Crusaders converted off a corner kick in the 16th minute to take the early advantage. In the 47th minute, Martim Galvao lofted a corner kick into the box that Soares sent into the net to even the match at one. Less than ten minutes later, Soares' free kick bent around the wall into the lower left of the net for the eventual game winner. At the 62:41 mark, Soares completed the hat trick as he deflected a shot past the keeper.

Soares scored all three of his goals in a 16:30 span and boosted the freshman's season total to nine, which is good for second on the team. The combination of Soares and teammate Nathan Regis give Pfeiffer the highest goal scoring duo in the conference. Regis ends the regular season as Conference Carolinas leader in goals (15) and points (38) as he is 14 points ahead of the second place finisher. He also finishes second in the league in assists (8) and shots (66).

Pfeiffer held the Crusaders to just six shots on the afternoon as Pfeiffer fired 13 attempts. The Falcons also held a distinct advantage in corner kicks at 9-4.

Luke Whelan made three saves in the losing effort for Belmont Abbey who celebrated their Senior Day.

Going into today, Pfeiffer was in a six way tie for the school record. Most recently, the 2009 Falcons finished the season with a 13-5 record, including an 8-2 conference mark. This year's team can put more distance between themselves and the previous record holders as they enter postseason play.

"I'm very proud of our guys for setting the new record and now it's time to get ready for our conference tournament," said Head Coach Bob Reasso.

The Falcons head into the Conference Carolinas Tournament as the two seed and will host the number seven seed on Monday at NE Lefko Field at 2 p.m. The Falcons advanced to the semifinal round last year and will be looking for a deeper run this season.