Milligan Men’s and Women’s Soccer lost their Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship games on Tuesday evening, ending their Conference Championship run. However the Men’s team’s success this year gives hope of receiving a National Championship bid, and the Women’s team are optimistic about their growth over the last three years.
The Men’s game against Bryan on Tuesday evening went into two periods of overtime after a tied 1-1 regulation finish, with the game ending when Bryan won in a penalty shootout. The Women’s team lost 0-5 to No.1 Truett-McConnell on Tuesday evening after a hard battle.
These losses take both teams out of the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship tournament.
Unfortunately, this ends the Women’s teams season, leaving them tied for #3 in the AAC rankings, and #89 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The nationals rankings leave them without a national championship bid, as they give bids to the top 40 teams.
“It is a shame about nationals, but we have made great strides in the past 3 seasons.” said John Newbery, Milligan’s Women’s soccer coach, “In three seasons we have gone from 9th place in conference to a tie for 3rd place, which I would call a success. It is a very good trajectory that we are on.”
When asked about how they are looking and feeling moving forward, Coach Newbery said, “We will be working hard in the off season to come back stronger and try to fill in the gaps the graduating seniors are leaving.”
The Men’s team, even though they lost their game on Tuesday, and NAIA rule makes it to where a loss in a penalty kickoff doesn’t isn’t recognized as a loss in the NAIA rankings system. This means that Milligan’s Men’s team is still undefeated in the NAIA’s national rankings, leaving them ranked #11 in the nation, granting them a bid for nationals.
“We will keep fighting for the national championship”
Paddy Sweeney, Milligan’s Men’s soccer coach
Milligan’s Men’s soccer coach, “we are making history as a group, a few years ago it was unthinkable that a team from Milligan would be doing what we are doing.”
“Last year’s performance was the best finish in school history of any head to head sport ever and further than any AAC conference team in history and we will do all we can to represent the school again this year” Said Coach Paddy.
When asked about what has led to such a successful last two seasons, Coach Paddy attributed it to the older members of the team, saying that their leadership and experience have allowed them to encourage and keep the spirits up on the team. Coach Paddy mentioned Jett Carter, Simen Haraldstad, Clay Gallant, Albert Montragull, and Hayden Grubb as a few of these older students whose leadership and experience is contributing so much.
As the Men’s team goes into the preparing for the National Championships, Milligan sends our support, prayers, and encouragement with them.
About The Author
Aaron Walker is a Junior at Milligan University. He is an English major with a minor in professional writing, and a member of Milligan’s Disc Golf team. He enjoys medieval fantasy novels, rock music, disc golf, spending time with family, and coffee.
picture by milligan soccer