CLEVELAND, Ga. (Oct. 13, 2018) â€" The Milligan College men's soccer team picked up their fifth Appalachian Athletic Conference point of the season as they played to a 1-1 draw on the road against Truett McConnell Saturday afternoon. This was the second time in the last three conference matches that the Buffaloes (5-5-2, 1-4-2 AAC) have played to a 1-1 draw.

RUSSELL PUTS MILLIGAN ON THE BOARD
After both teams played a scoreless first half, the Bears (6-5-1, 2-5-1 AAC) put themselves on the board first with a goal by Joao Costa in the 55th minute to take the 1-0 lead. The Buffs wouldn't trail for long though as a costly mistake by Truett McConnell's keeper, Evan Gaffney, led to the game tying goal.

Senior midfielder, Jonathan Russell, let one fly from 25 yards out in the 57th minute, and Gaffney let it slip through his fingers for the equalizing goal. Robell Habte was accredited with the assist.

Despite the mistake, the Bears moved forward and began to dominate possession for the rest of the second half. Milligan was outshot 13-2 after halftime, but keeper Luke Dove kept the score tied with six saves to help send the match to overtime.

The Buffs didn't attempt a single shot in either of the two overtime periods as the Bears continued to attack Milligan's defense. There were several near misses by Truett McConnell, but ultimately the Buffs escaped with the draw.

BY THE NUMBERS
In total, Milligan was outshot 21-7 including 9-2 on shots on goal. Luis de la Torre and Jack Royston led Milligan with two shots and one shot on frame apiece. The Buffs' leading goal scorers Habte and Roberto Fernandez Garrido were held without a shot attempt.

Dove tied his career high for saves with eight on the day compared to Gaffney's two.

UP NEXT
Milligan remains on the road for their final nonconference match of the season as they square off against Cumberland University Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 3 p.m. The Buffs return home Wednesday, Oct. 24, when they face AAC foe Union College.

ðŸ"·: Robert Kell, Creative Story Visuals