Women’s Soccer downs Brenau 1-0

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (September 29, 2021) – The Milligan University women's soccer team earned three points in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) standings as the Buffs defeated Brenau 1-0 at Anglin Field on Wednesday night.

Milligan returns to .500 at 4-4 and 3-3 in AAC play. Brenau falls to 1-4 overall and in AAC action.

Ashlen Burch's goal in 31st minute was the game's only score. She cashed in on a fantastic individual effort in which she zig-zagged around multiple defenders on her way to the penalty area and slotted a shot into the bottom-right corner of the net.

The Buffs had two strong scoring opportunities in the game's first 10 minutes of action. Taylor Dawson stepped into a well-stuck shot from 25 yards out that was stopped by a diving effort from Brenau's keeper. In the 10th minute Ella Sawa was freed up by a lead pass from Ellie Cachiaras and fired a shot on frame that was also stopped by an athletic save.

The Buffs carried their 1-0 lead into the halftime break. Milligan outshot the Tigers 10-1 and had all five shots on goal in the first half.

Autumn Daniels nearly pushed Milligan's lead to two in the 71st minute after Burch connected with Daniels on a through ball from the Milligan side of midfield. Daniels ran onto the ball and squared up a shot at the charging Brenau keeper, but it sailed wide left.

Cachairas zoomed up the right side with possession and freed herself up for a blast directly into the Tigers' keeper in the 78th minute. Cachairas also hit the crossbar in the 87th minute.

Brenau managed a last-gasp effort in the game's final 30 seconds, but Milligan keeper Lauren Davies made the save to preserve the 1-0 win.

The Buffs outshot Brenau 24-7 on the night and held a 9-3 edge in shots on goal.

Cachairas had a game-high nine shots and three attempts on frame. Bruch scored for the second-straight game and third goal overall on the year.

Davies had three saves and picked up her fourth shutout win on the season.

The Buffs are idle this weekend and return to action next Wednesday at Anglin Field against No. 21 Truett McConnell.