AAC Reveals Eight All-Conference Players for Milligan Men's Soccer and 16 Academic Honors

WALESKA, Ga. - On Thursday night, the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) announced their 2024 Men's Soccer All-AAC teams and Academic All-AAC honorees. Milligan had eight of their players recognized as All-AAC this season, with five earning first-team plaudits and three being named second-team recipients. Additionally, they had the second-highest number of academic honorees in the conference, with 16.

Milligan's five All-AAC First team players were Simen Haraldstad, Kai Slinn, James Bakou, Elies Simo and Adria Alles. On the All-AAC Second Team, there were Jett Carter, Boikaego Mbaakanyi and Justin Madejski.

Haraldstad scored six goals and had an assist out of the midfield, also playing a heavy part on defense for a team that produced eight clean sheets. Slinn, though injured for six games, still scored five goals and tied for a team-high seven assists. Bakou scored two goals as an important winger for the squad, and was the player who tied Slinn with seven helpers. Simo added four goals offensively as the team's pure center back. He was a heavy threat via the set piece on corners and free kicks. Alles played in 10 of the team's 18 games, starting nine of them. He produced five clean sheets and had a record of 8-0-3 after AAC tournament play.

Carter also dealt with ailments this season, playing in 12 of 16 games. He scored a quartet of goals and added a pair of assists this year. Mbaakanyi became one of the more important pieces for the Buffaloes' offense late in the year. He started 10 of the team's 16 matchups and scored four goals alongside two assists. Madejski, a hybrid defender who often saw himself on the ball looking to make plays, was also able to score four goals and add two helpers. He started all 16 games for the team.

The Buffs' 16 Academic All-AAC honorees are listed below:

Luke Cumming
Simen Haraldstad
Reshano Hasselbank
Sam Hauser
Clay Gallant
Hayden Grubb
Jayce Johnston
Regan Leech
Isaac Lizotte
Camden Lyles
Connor Mast
Mark Matthews
Alex Panner
Elies Simo
Ludvig Wille
Diego Zarate

Click HERE to view the full conference awards.