By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
CLEVELAND, Ga. - Aaron Whitten continued his hot streak with two more goals, while Gus Fidler netted an insurance tally late in the contest in the 84th minute to help bring Reinhardt yet another Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) triumph on the road, 3-1, over Truett-McConnell (Ga.).
The Eagles (5-4-1, 4-1-1 AAC) have now won back-to-back contests, but haven't lost in five outings in conference action.
"Always a very difficult challenge to play away at Truett," head coach Joey Johnson said. "They are well-coached, and we have a lot of respect for how they play the game. It was a typical, hard-fought match from both sides today and I appreciated the efforts of the players as we are striving towards a higher standard of consistency in our play. I believe our team is making positive strides in the right direction.
I rarely comment on individual play, but I want to mention I thought Trevor Robinson was outstanding in his play today on the defensive side of the ball."
The goal continues to be open for business for Whitten, who has now nailed 10 scores in his last five AAC matchups. He helped the hometown squad get on the scoreboard in the first minute to go ahead, 1-0, 47 seconds after the opening whistle.
Halftime would come and go before Whitten found the back of the net once again (57:22) from a nice pass by Gabriel Stefansson.
The Bears would cut into their two-score disadvantage in the 68th minute, but strong defense and Fidler would make sure the win belonged to Reinhardt after the third goal hit the scoresheet, compliments of Taylor Gray.
The Eagles had 19 shots and 11 on-goal in the victory.
Individually, Gray was out front with six attempts, four of which were on target. Jeremy Jaeger also had four shots on the afternoon.
Niko Tzevelekos earned another positive outcome with a half-dozen saves.
The club now has a week off before continuing its road swing with a visit to Tennessee to face Bryan.
The primetime matchup begins at 7:15 p.m. on Oct. 9.
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