Women’s Soccer falls to No. 22 Truett McConnell 2-1

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (September 13, 2023) – The Milligan University women's soccer team fell 2-1 to No. 22 Truett McConnell in the Buffs' Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) opener at Anglin Field on Wednesday.

Milligan falls to 1-3-1 on the season and 0-1 in the AAC. The defending AAC regular season and tournament champion TMU moves to 1-2-2, 1-0 AAC.

The Buffs held the Bears off the scoreboard in the first half. Akyla Walcott made five saves as Milligan kept TMU's high-powered offense in check.

Natalie Roper recorded Milligan's only shot of the first half in the 28th minute with an attempt that rolled to the right of the frame. Late in the first half, a failed clearance almost resulted in a Bears goal but Walcott made a diving stop near the left post.

The Buffs earned a free kick just outside the penalty area in the opening five minutes of the second half. Lauren Hawkley sent a well-placed ball to the left post but was unable to connect with a Buff.

TMU broke through with a goal in the 55th minute as a ball went down the middle of the Milligan back line and a Bear snuck through to send home a close-range shot. Just minutes later, Hawkley sent a free kick to the upper left corner but had it punched out at the past moment by the TMU keeper.

The Bears hit the post in the 71st minute but the Buffs were able to clear the ball from inside the six-yard box.

TMU added a second goal with an outstanding individual effort in the box to put the visitors ahead 2-0 in the 80th minute.

Hawkley finally scored on a free kick in the 89th minute, tucking it into the top left corner for her second goal of the season to bring the margin to 2-1.

The Bears outshot the Buffs 18-4 on the game (11-2 SOG). Walcott finished with nine saves. Hawkley led the Buffs with three shots, two on frame.

Milligan travels to CIU for the Buffs' first road conference game on Saturday.