Buffs tie CIU 1-1 in high-profile AAC matchup

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (October 8, 2022) – The Milligan University men's soccer team finished in a tie with Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) opponent Columbia International University (CIU) in Saturday evening's matchup at Anglin Field.

Milligan moves to 4-2-4 (4-1-2 AAC) while CIU is now 6-1-3 (5-0-2 AAC). The Rams remain tied for the top spot in the AAC standings with the Buffs now just three points out of first place.

Milligan goalkeeper Ludvig Wille was tested early as he made a save in the game's first minute and added another stop in the 15th.

In the first half hour of action, Milligan's shot attempts were a free kick by Luke Bennett and a close-range attempt by Mate Lengyel that flew high of the goal.

Greg Anderson connected on a head off a free kick in the 39th minute, but his well-struck ball flew just wide right.

The Buffs finally broke through in the 40th minute. A long throw-in by Ethan Bishop wound up at the feet of Alexsander Krogh at the right post. Krogh centered a rolling cross and Elies Simo poked in his third goal of the season to give the Buffs a 1-0 edge.

Milligan carried its 1-0 advantage into the second half. The Rams found a game-tying goal in a chaotic goal box in the 58th minute to even the score at one.

The Buffs nearly found the back of the net for a second time with back-to-back corners in the 87th minute. Bennett placed a ball on the far-side post as Alexander Krogh gave his best goal-scoring effort but unfortunately a CIU player came away with a block just before the ball crossed the line.

Milligan had two opportunities to cash in on the game-winning goal in the final ten seconds of the match. First, Inaki Moreno blew past his defender and hit a great ball from outside the box, but the CIU goalkeeper managed to get his fingertips on it to prevent the goal. Bennett then received the ball following the save and narrowly missed the game-winner wide of the post off his left foot.

Milligan finished the night with six shots on goal compared three for the Rams; however, CIU held the advantage on corner kicks eight to six. Willie ended with two saves for the match.

Milligan will return to action on Wednesday for a visiting matchup with Bryan at 7:30 p.m. The Buffs and Lions are tied for third in the AAC standings with 13 points in seven league games each.