No. 25 Buffs secure AAC title

MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (October 18, 2006)---Wednesday night was one of firsts for the Milligan College men’s soccer program as they defeated Bryan College by a score of 4-1 before an impressive crowd at Anglin Field to secure the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) championship.

The AAC championship is the first ever for the men’s soccer program. Wednesday also welcomed two other firsts for the Buffs as the latest edition of the NAIA men’s soccer national and regional rankings were released. Milligan was included on both lists, coming in at No. 25 in the nation and No.1 in Region XII – both firsts for the program.

Milligan jumped out to an early lead when Kyle Wilcox (Indianapolis, Ind.) scored on a penalty kick in the fourth minute.  Reigning AAC Player of the Week, David Lilly (Coatbridge, Scotland), scored in the 32^nd minute to push the Buffs out to a 2-0 lead at halftime.

Bryan made things interesting in the 74^th minute with a header by Nathan McCown that found its way past Milligan goalkeeper Jordan Fode (Surrey, British Columbia, Canada).

The Buffs responded however, extending their lead back to two just two minutes later when some impressive ball movement from Philip Wilson (Middlesbrough, England) to Caleb Bollman (Planfield, Ind.) opened up Said Abdi (Kismaayo, Somalia) for the goal. Both Wilson and Bollman were credited with an assist on the play.

Abdi then put the game away with another goal on a breakaway in the 87^th minute on an assist from Bollman.

The win improves Milligan’s record to 10-6 overall on the year and 7-1 in the AAC. Bryan falls to 9-4-2 overall and 4-1-1 in the conference.

Milligan will play next at Anglin Field on Saturday, October 21, against Cumberland University at 7:30 p.m.