MILLIGAN, Tenn. (April 6, 2021) – Elies Sebbouh scored a first-half equalizer, but the No. 25 Milligan University men's soccer team lost to Reinhardt University 2-1 in the championship game of the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament Tuesday night on Anglin Field. The match featured the two AAC regular-season co-champions in a rematch of Milligan's 1-0 victory over Reinhardt last fall during the regular season.

Sebbouh gave the Buffs (11-2, 9-1 AAC) a huge spark in the first half. Reinhardt (13-2, 9-1 AAC) controlled much of the possession early on and capitalized on their first real scoring opportunity with a goal from Philip Frowis in the 10th minute.

Sebbouh's goal came 26 minutes later, assisted by Jett Carter, to even the match 1-1.

Despite several more chances over the next 55 minutes, it would not be enough as a penalty kick from Reinhardt in the 67th minute proved to be the difference. Milligan earned one of its closest chances to tie the game in the closing seconds on a header from Carter that went wide.

The loss for Milligan ended a six-game winning streak, although the Buffs already automatically qualified for the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship. They did this by way of the regular-season title and advancing to the AAC tournament as the No. 1 seed.

Final game tallies saw Milligan lead the shot count 10-5, including 4-3 on shots on goal. Corner kicks were nearly even at 5-4 in favor of Milligan.

Up next, Milligan competes in the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship for the first time since 2006. Opening round dates are April 22-24 at locations to be determined. The final site dates are May 4-10 at Blanchard Woods Park in Evans, Georgia. More information on the national championship is forthcoming.