Buffs Men's Soccer Triumphs over Madonna in First Round of Marion Bracket through Hostile Weather Conditions

MARION, Ind. – On Thursday evening, the No. 11-ranked Milligan University men's soccer squad traversed snowy conditions to play their NAIA National Championship First Round matchup with the Marion Bracket's No. 3-seed, the No. 18-ranked Madonna University Crusaders. In a chaotic bout that included a total of six goals scored between the two sides, the Buffaloes came away with a 4-2 win over their foes from Michigan. 

In the first half, the Buffs allowed the game's first goal in the bout's 10th minute. Luckily, there was a quick response from Marco Lattanzi, who delivered a brilliant strike to the top-right corner of the net to tie the score 1-1 in the 12th minute. Kai Slinn would then score in the 19th minute for Milligan, putting them up 2-1, which would remain the lead for the rest of the half. 

A quick goal was scored to begin the second half by Madonna, tying the score at 2-2 in the 47th minute. Milligan nabbed another tally in the 50th minute from Kai Slinn on a rebound of a Mavroudis Katsantonis shot that was saved and deflected off the crossbar to his boot. That gave the Buffs a 3-2 lead, that they would then cushion with a 71st minute goal on a set piece from Elies Simo after Alex Panner drew a foul just outside the box to give the Buffaloes a 4-2 win. 

Overall, the stat sheet looked rather even, with Madonna holding a slim 11-10 advantage in the shot department. For the Buffs, it was Slinn and Johnny Salgado leading the way with two shots on goal each. Slinn scored both of his shots.  

Adria Alles earned the triumph, saving three of the five shots that he faced on frame in the battle, which was an impressive feat considering the snowy pitch conditions. 

On Saturday evening, Nov. 23, the Buffaloes will play their NAIA National Championship Second Round battle against the bracket's top-seeded No. 7-ranked Indiana Wesleyan University Wildcats at 5 p.m.