Milligan University’s Men’s Soccer Team beat Tennessee Wesleyan University 2-1 on Thursday to clench the conference title, automatically qualifying them for nationals.
This is the first time the Buffs have won the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) title since 2012. The achievement comes after a successful season, the team finishing with an impressive record of 10-1 (9-1 AAC).
Both teams entered the match with an AAC record of 8-1, and Tennessee Wesleyan looked to be walking away with the win with a goal just 18 minutes in. However, sophomore Luke Bennett evened the score less than six minutes later off a free kick from senior Raphael Sefriou.
“No better feeling than to score in a game like that,” said Bennett.
The Buffs maintained the 1-1 tie into halftime, but freshman Charlie Betts scored in the 67th minute from an assist by freshman Albert Montragull to give them a lead of 2-1.
“I think the timing of our second goal really allowed us to have faith that we could go on and win the game,” said Bennett. “I feel it was a very tough game, but the team really came together as one and fought till the very end. Every single player both on the field and on the bench gave everything they could and ultimately it led us to victory.”
This makes the fifth straight win for the men’s team, including a 3-2 upset against No. 14 West Virginia University Institution of Technology on March 4. The upset helped them receive votes for the latest NAIA coaches’ top 25 poll.
Up next, the Buffs’ conference title gives them a home field advantage in the upcoming AAC tournament. The tournament will only include the top four teams this year due to COVID-19, with the opening round matches taking place March 29-31 and the championship on April 5.
After the AAC tournament, the men will head to nationals. Opening rounds begin April 22 and the championship will be played May 10.
“For us now the sky’s the limit, we just need to take each game one at a time,” said Bennett.
Headline photo: The team celebrated a hard fought victory on Thursday. Photo by Chase Farler.