The Milligan College’s men’s and women’s soccer teams both lost their games against Truett McConnell University on Friday, Sept. 25th. The men lost after two overtimes with a final score of 3-2 while the ladies fell short with a final score of 3-1.
With 15 minutes left in regulation, the Truett McConnell University men’s team was up 2-1 when Roberto Fernadez Garrido made a game-tying goal on a penalty kick. The score became 2-2 and sent the game into overtime. During the two overtime periods, the game remained tied before Truett McConnell University scored the game-winning goal with four minutes and 36 seconds left in the game. After this game, Milligan ranks tenth in the conference standings.
The Lady Buffs also fell to Truett McConnell University with a final score of 3-1. This loss to the defending Appalachian Athletic Conference champions places the Lady Buffs sixth in the conference standings. The lone goal came from Senior Bekah Cundiff in the 72nd minute of play.
The Buffs have learned from their losses. Senior forward Robert Fernadez Garrido said, “It has already happened twice so we need to grow as a team, hold each other’s backs and keep fighting. The only way to go is by working hard every practice and game.”
Nevertheless, the season is not over, and the Buffs are still positive about the rest of the year.
“Our perspective is the same as we started the season,” Garrido said. “We are going to keep working hard on and off the field in order to get the results we want.”
Garrido’s perspective is consistent with his teammates. Junior forward Robell Habte said, “This game does not change my perspective on the season. We are still aiming to make noise the rest of the season and in the tournament.”
The teams’ goals for the rest of the season are clear and concise as well. “My goal for the team is to turn this around and pick up some big wins and gain momentum going forward,” Habte said.
“As a team, we all want to make it to nationals. But we need to go game by game because we can’t focus on the future,” Garrido said. “We focus on what is next.”