Daniels’ early goal lifts Women’s Soccer to big AAC win at Columbia

COLUMBIA, S.C. (October 16, 2021) – Autumn Daniels scored in the first 10 minutes and the Milligan University women's soccer team limited Columbia to a single shot on goal as the Buffs defeated Columbia (S.C.) 1-0 for a significant Appalachian Athletic Conference win on Saturday afternoon.

Columbia entered the day in fourth place in the AAC standings at 8-5 overall and 7-3 in AAC play. The Buffs took home three points in the conference standings and rose to 6-5-1, 5-4-1 AAC.

In the game's ninth minute, Alia Figueredo was advanced the ball up the left sideline. She was taken out by a defender as she forwarded a pass ahead to Daniels, who entered the penalty area with pace, juked a defender and fired in her third goal of the season with a grounded shot into the bottom-right corner of the net.

Ellie Cachiaras, Kori Barnhill and Audra Morgan each recorded a shot on goal after the Buffs took a 1-0 first half lead, but all three attempts were saved.

Columbia recorded its only shot on goal for the date in the 28th minute and Lauren Davies made the stop to preserve Milligan's one goal advantage. Columbia had three first half corner kicks but could not turn any into direct shots on frame.

In the second half, Milligan held a 9-3 edge in shots and 4-0 advantage in corner kicks. Milligan's defensive unit of Makenna Oiler, Emma True, Isabella Cranford and Taylor Dawson each played 90 minutes and helped Davies post only the second shutout of the Koalas all season.

For the game, Milligan outshot Columbia 17-9 with a 7-1 advantage in shots on goal.

The Buffs return to Anglin Field on Wednesday when they host St. Andrews.