The Bryan College men's soccer team secured their place in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship game with an intense victory over #2 seed Milligan in the tournament semifinals. After a hard-fought match that ended in a penalty shootout, Bryan emerged victorious, earning the right to host the title game against Truett McConnell.
Key Moments:
- 47:54 – David Gomez struck first for Bryan, putting the Lions up 1-0 with an assist from Cesar Castro.
- 65:13 – Milligan answered back as Elies Simo netted the equalizer, keeping the game on edge.
The 1-1 draw after regulation and two overtime periods set the stage for a penalty shootout. Bryan's determination showed through as Mattia Marini, Owen Morales, Beckham Davidson, and Cesar Castro successfully converted their shots, while goalkeeper Jack Smith's two crucial saves led to a 4-3 shootout win.
Shootout Summary:
Notable Stats:
- Shots: Milligan 18, Bryan 7
- Saves: Jack Smith (Bryan) 3, Adria Alles (Milligan) 1
- Corner Kicks: Milligan 9, Bryan 5
Now, the Lions prepare to host Truett McConnell in the AAC Championship game, with the conference title on the line in front of a home crowd.
