September 22, 2005
Monarchs come up short against neighboring rival UNC-Pembroke 3-1

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The area men’s soccer rivalry between Methodist and UNC-Pembroke was renewed on Thursday with great anticipation on both sides. The home standing Monarchs, however, came up on the short end of the battle, falling 3-1 to UNC-Pembroke.

Methodist is now 0-5-1 overall on the 2005 season. In the last four meetings between the two teams, the visiting team has prevailed in each game.

The Monarchs faced the 16th-ranked team in Division II in UNC-Pembroke, and the Braves took advantage of opportunities with a hat-trick from forward Tuncay Dilek. He gave the Braves a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute with a goal off a deflection by Methodist goalkeeper Sean Marable.

Dilek struck again in the 38th minute with a goal from 20 yards out from the right side of the penalty box. UNC-Pembroke took a 2-0 lead into halftime.

Methodist showed more fire and determination in the second half. The Monarchs regained some needed momentum in the 59th minute when Kevin Gray scored Methodist’s first goal in the last four games. That trimmed the Braves’ lead to 2-1. However, Dilek struck again in the 74th minute with another goal in front of the Monarch box off an assist by Miguel Ferrer.

Marable recorded seven saves for Methodist, while Richard Sallin recorded four saves for UNC-Pembroke (6-2-1).

Methodist plays host to Piedmont on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.