October 4th, 2007
 
Bryan 0, Montreat 1
 
    Thursday night Bryan (4-0 AAC) hosted #24 Montreat College (4-1 AAC) in a battle for sole possession of first place in the conference and the inside track to a regular season conference championship.  

     The Bryan fans turned out in great numbers to provide a beautiful atmosphere to play in and as the game began one could sense the importance of this match.  The first half was not what one would expect from a game of this magnitude.  Both teams settled in with little possession and Montreat was content to drive long balls on to their dangerous strikers.  Midway through the half, Montreat scored from the top of the box on a shot that found its way through a Bryan defender's legs and beat a screened out Carlos Sanchez in goal.  That is the way the half would end with Montreat leading by a goal.

     The second half was a different story.  In the final thirty minutes of the half, Bryan began to play with a sense of urgency and forced the action, attacking consistently with numbers.  Their pressure was now intense and direct and many scoring chances were created.  Montreat Goalkeeper Howard Fisher had his hands full in the final 30 minutes and made several quality saves, including a diving save on Scott Davidson as he struck a ball low to the right hand side from around the penalty spot during the run of play.  Defender Nate McCown was also dangerous out of the back, nearly scoring off a back post header and a half volley with 2 minutes remaining.  Opportunities to equalize were plentiful and the momentum was certainly in Bryan's favor, but it was not to be.

     Bryan, defensively, played very solid against the most dangerous attacking opponent in the conference.  Kyle Wagley and Daniel O’Kane performed well on the outside marks.  Nate McCown continued his dominance at center back.  A bright spot for the Lions was center back Ryan Simon who played a great game in the air, distributing well, and defending with confidence. 

     The play of freshman Jacobo Gallardo must be noted as well, as he played ninety minutes at inside midfielder with the passion and intensity of a player who is driven from inside to win.  Jacobo was a difference maker for the Lions, particularly defensively.

     The Lions are now 11-2 (4-1 AAC) and are ranked #2 in NAIA Region XII and #2 in the NCCAA National Rankings.  Bryan will host Tennessee Temple University on Saturday, October 6th, for Homecoming.