Women’s Soccer draws with Bryan in well-contested AAC match

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (October 13, 2021) – The Milligan University women's soccer team battled to a 2-2 draw against Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) foe Bryan on Wednesday evening at Anglin Field.

Both the Buffs and Lions pick up a point in the conference standings as Milligan's record becomes 5-5-1, 4-4-1 AAC and Bryan moves to 2-6-1, 2-5-1 AAC.

Both teams went through a lengthy feeling-out process as only one shot was attempted for either side in the game's first 20 minutes.

Ellie Cachiaras in the 19th minute and Autumn Daniels in the 24th minute both had shots saved by the Lion's goalkeeper.

In the 31st minute, Ashlen Burch ripped a shot from well beyond the 18-yard box that was knocked down by the Bryan keeper. Cachiaras pounced on the loose ball and fired in her fifth goal of the season to give the Buffs a 1-0 lead.

Bryan responded with 33rd and 41st minutes to take a 2-1 lead into halftime.

The Buffs attacked the Bryan net with six shots and five corner in the first 30 minutes of the second half, but could not find a game-tying goal.

In the 81st minute, Burch worked up the right sideline all the way to Bryan endline and put a ball across the face of the goal and Cachiaras fired in the game-tying goal off the bounce.

The score remained 2-2 through the end of regulation.

In overtime, the Buffs had several opportunities with Kori Barnhill, Daniels, and Burch all attempting shots on frame, but each attempt was denied by the Bryan keeper.

Lauren Davies collected Bryan's top scoring chance in the opening minutes of the second overtime. Milligan did not attempt a shot on goal in the final 10 minutes and the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

The Bufs owned a 22-8 advantage in shots and a 15-7 edge in shots on goal.

Cachairas led Milligan with seven shots, five on goal and two goals. Daniels had six shots, five on target.

Davies finished with five saves in the draw.

The Buffs head to Columbia, S.C. on Saturday to take on the Columbia Koalas.