Men’s Soccer opens AAC play with 2-1 win over Truett McConnell

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (September 13, 2023) – The Milligan University men's soccer team opened Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play with a 2-1 victory over Truett McConnell at Anglin Field on Wednesday evening.

The Buffs rise to 4-2 on the season and 1-0 in conference play. TMU suffered its first defeat of the season and now sits at 3-1, 1-1 AAC.

Milligan outshot the Bears 7-2 over the first 30 minutes of action but was unable to find the back of the net. TMU struck first in the 32nd minute with a long ball that drew Ludvig Wille off his line. The attacking player got to the ball first and was able to maneuver around the keeper and score the game's first goal.

Milligan found an equalizer late in the first half. Asa Kai Blake sent Milligan's seventh corner of the half from the right corner and connected with a leaping Greg Anderson who headed home his second goal of the season. The teams went to the half with tied at one, despite Milligan holding an 11-3 edge in shots.

The Bears nearly had an identical goal as their first half tally in the 59th minute with a long ball, a touch around the keeper and a shot at an open frame. However, Elies Simo raced back and cleared the ball before it could cross the goal line.

After a corner kick in the 63rd minute, Boikaego Mbaakanyi successfully put a bicycle kick on frame but it was saved.

The Buffs attempted four corner kicks in a 90-second span around the 70th minute. Simo put a header on frame but had it punched away.

The Buffs finally broke through on their 14th corner kick of the game. Inaki Moreno connected with Santiago Corral, whose header hit the right post. KaI Slinn pounced on the rebound and powered home a goal-ahead goal to give the Buffs a 2-1 edge.

Clay Gallent stepped into a shot following a free kick in the 88th minute but had it tipped over the net by the TMU keeper. Milligan was able to run out the rest of the clock to pick up the conference victory.

The Buffs outshot TMU 21-5 in the contest (9-2 SOG). Milligan attempted 16 corner kicks while the Bears had none.

The Buffs travel to CIU on Saturday to square off with the defending AAC Tournament champions.