Box Score

The Truett-Mcdonnell Men's Soccer team took to the field Saturday afternoon for a pivotal playoff match-up against the Eagles from Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia. The two teams battled head-to-head throughout the course of the game prior to finishing 1-1 at the end of regulation. After exhausting the regulation, as well as overtime periods, the two teams moved into a sudden death penalty kick situation. However, due to impending darkness and the absence of field lights, both coaches agreed to call the game and come back on Sunday to replay it, thus, setting the stage for arguably the biggest moment in Truett-McConnell Men's Soccer history. 

Sunday's game started off very similar to Saturday evening's contest, with each time trying to assert its defensive presence on the field from the opening whistle. Despite managing only six total offensive shots on the day, with only three on goal, the Bears made the most of their offensive opportunities. Freshman Frederico Divino was able to break through the Eagles' defenders off an assist from Josiah Saydee for the game's first goal midway through the first period giving the Bears an early 1-0 lead. 

After the game's halftime intermission and with the Bears enjoying a 1-0 lead, the two teams took to the field again in hopes of securing a victory that would ultimately enable them the opportunity to move on the AAC tournament and keep their hopes alive for playing for the coveted AAC Championship. The two teams continued to battle defensively through the second period, until junior Josiah Saydee from Clarkston, Georgia laced a shot past the Eagles' goalie, giving the Bears a commanding 2-0 lead late in regulation. 

The Eagles managed to fire off eight shots on goal during the course of the game, but Truett-McConnell freshman goalie Wade Pulido from neighboring Habersham, Georgia played lights out in front of the net. Pulido held the Eagles at bay and when the final horn sounded he was on the winning end of 2-0 shutout victory for the Bears. 

With the victory, the Bears move on the conference semi-final round against no. 2 seeded Union College on the campus of Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. The Bears will take to the field against the Bulldogs from Union on Wednesday, November 11th at 7:00 pm. The winner of that game will move on to the AAC Conference Championship game slated for Friday, November 13th at 7:00 pm.