CLEVELAND, Ga (September 25, 2021) – The Truett McConnell University men's soccer team competed against Appalachian Athletic Conference rival Columbia International University Saturday night inside the TMU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex. The Bears fought until the final minute but fell short 2-1. The Rams increased to a record of 7-0, 3-0 AAC, while the Bears fell to a record of 1-9-2, 1-8-1 AAC

PLAY-BY-PLAY
The Rams struck first in the 12th minute (0-1), forcing the Bears to work hard from behind. TMU worked hard to earn two corner kicks, while taking three shots, proving not enough as the score remained 0-1 at the end of the half. The second half saw the Bears gain speed, as a penalty kick goal by Callum Smith bridged the gap, making the score 1-1. TMU managed to take five shots, but both teams stayed resilient as the game was forced into overtime. An unfortunate card left TMU down a man, but the Bears did not waver as they forced the game into a second overtime. In the 100^th minute, Oscar Brennan took a wide shot, ultimately TMU's last chance, as a free kick offered the Rams the opportunity they needed to score the winning goal, totaling a final score of 1-2.

LEADERS
Freshman Callum Smith led the way with one goal and three shots, one on goal. Following was Freshman Aidan Tustin, who recorded two shots, one on goal. Sophomores Herbert Lima and Lucan Yates recorded one shot each, one on goal, while Freshmen Francisco Murdoch, Marco Vernazza, and Oscar Brennan tallied a shot apiece.
 
UP NEXT
Catch the Bears Wednesday, Sept. 29, back inside the TMU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex as they compete against AAC opponent Bryan College, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.