No. 9 Men’s Soccer falls to Point in double overtime 2-1

WALESKA, Ga. (September 19, 2021) – The Milligan University men's soccer team lost for the first time in the 2021 season, falling 2-1 in double overtime to Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) foe Point in Georgia on Sunday.

The No. 9-ranked Buffs fall to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in AAC play. Point moves to 2-1-1, 2-1 AAC.

Sunday's meeting between the Buffs and Skyhawks had been scheduled for Saturday evening at Point, but inclement weather and unplayable field conditions bumped the game to Sunday at AAC member Reinhardt.

After a scoreless first half, the game's first goal came from Jett Carter in the 75th minute. The Buffs gained possession with a goal kick after a Point shot sailed wide. Goalkeeper Jan Kuepper sent a short pass to right back Elies Simo, who booted the ball from the Buffs defensive third to the offensive third along the right sideline. The ball ended up at the feet of Charlie Betts nearly at Point's end line. Betts crossed a pass on the ground to a charging Carter, who buried his third goal of the season.

Kuepper turned away three Point attempts on frame in the final five minutes, but Point found an equalizer in the 89th minute on a well-placed shot into the bottom-right corner of the Milligan net to force overtime.

Carter nearly ended the game in the 93rd minute after collecting a ball into the box from Elies Sebbouh and firing a shot from about 10 yards away but Point keeper Julio Gomes made a game-saving stop. Kuepper and the Buffs' defense staved off two shots and a corner kick from the Skyhawks in the first overtime.

Point found the game-winning goal in the 106th minute in the second overtime. The Skyhawks quickly inserted a corner kick to Facundo Palacio, who fired a shot on the ground aimed inside the right post. The ball took a funny hop, potentially off the foot of a Buff defender, and fluttered into the net to give Point a nationally-ranked win.

Point wound up outshooting the Buffs 22-15 and owned a 9-6 advantage in shots on goal.

Carter led the Buffs with three shots on goal. Victor Castel took five shots, one on target.

Kuepper made seven saves in the defeat.

The Buffs continue AAC play Wednesday evening at Kentucky Christian.