Montragull’s last-second goal lifts Buffs

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (Nov. 22, 2020) – Freshman Albert Montragull scored a goal with four seconds to go in regulation, and the Milligan University men's soccer team defeated Reinhardt 1-0 Sunday afternoon on Anglin Field.

The Buffaloes (7-1) handed Reinhardt (9-1) its only loss of the season and now control their own destiny toward winning the Appalachian Athletic Conference regular-season championship. Milligan can win the AAC with wins in each of the last two games.

The win was the second straight for Milligan, and second straight shutout. Reinhardt had entered the game only giving up three goals all season and had not been scored on in the last three games.

Montragull's winning goal

The game looked to be heading to overtime when a deflection near the end line went out of bounds and awarded Milligan one last corner kick with under 10 seconds left. Inaki Moreno hurried to the spot and delivered a crossing pass that Montragull redirected to the back of the net for his second goal of the season.

With the clock stopped at four seconds, Reinhardt only had time enough for one shot from midfield, which went into the hands of Milligan goalkeeper Jan Kuepper to seal the win.

Moreno was credited the assist of the winning goal, his AAC-leading seventh of the year. Montragull's goal was his second match winner of the season as he previously lifted the Buffs with a second-half goal one month ago against Truett McConnell.

Match facts | winning details

Milligan had nearly all the chances in the first half and ended the match leading the shot count 12-9, including 4-3 on shots on goal. The second half played more balanced, as both teams attacked and counterattacked the later the match went on.

Freshman Charlie Betts provided Milligan with a big spark off the bench. He accounted for three of the Buffs' shots, including two late in the game that looked to break open the scoring. On his first near score, Betts slipped through the back of the Reinhardt defense and had a would-be go-ahead goal saved from close range by Reinhardt goalkeeper Niko Tzevelekos. A few minutes later, Betts almost scored again on a similar play that saw his shot ricochet off the crossbar.

Milligan also led in corner kick opportunities, 6-0, with the last proving to be the difference.

Up next

Milligan has concluded competition in the fall and will close out the remainder of the regular season and the AAC postseason tournament in the spring. The Buffaloes still must face Tennessee Wesleyan (8-1) and CIU (4-5) and will have significant postseason implications on the line in both matches. Details on the AAC tournament are forthcoming.