BECKLEY, W.Va. – The Milligan men's soccer team kicked off their season Saturday night against the West Virginia Tech Golden Bears at Paul Cline Stadium. After falling behind 1-0 in the first half, the Buffs scored an equalizing goal in the second to salvage a draw, 1-1.  

The first half started strong for West Virginia Tech, as they connected on their first shot on goal in the 23rd minute to take the early lead. For the rest of the period, both sides struggled to find gaps in the defense. The Golden Bears held the advantage in shot attempts after the first half with two, as Milligan drew eight offsides calls and did not register a shot.  

In the second half, the Buffs offense started clicking early. Kerim Akpinar put a shot on target in the 52nd minute, and later in the 65th minute the Buffs were able to breakthrough when a Marco Lattanzi pass found Akpinar for a shot that he drilled into the net. That tally would secure the eventual 1-1 tie.  

Akpinar took the only two shots in the match for the Buffs', while West Virginia Tech notched three total shots for the game. 

Adria Alles stopped two of the three shots that he faced in the bout, and his record is now 0-0-1 for the season.  

Next on the docket for Milligan is a trip to Hardeeville, S.C., just outside Savannah, Ga. for a matchup with SCAD Savannah (Ga.) on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.