BARBOURVILLE, Ky. (November 2, 2024) – On Wednesday, the No. 4 seed Truett McConnell University men's soccer team traveled to compete in the semifinal round of the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament, where the Bears secured their ticket to the championship game after upsetting the No. 1 seed Union Commonwealth with a final score of 3-1.
PLAY-BY-PLAY
The first half remained even on both sides of the field as good defense by the Bears and Bulldogs held the game scoreless. A lone shot by Nils Waltemode attempted to give TMU an early chance at the goal but missed just high. A final chance for the Bulldogs in the 44th minute of regulation put UC on the board, 0-1. In the second half TMU responded quickly with a goal by Pedro Arroyo assisted by Oscar Brennan in the 49th minute to make the score even. Both teams battled eager to keep the match from ending in overtime play, when a blocked header shot by Marco Mandelka found the foot of James Aspinall into the back of the net, 2-1. TMU did not let up, finding their third and final goal of the game in the 87th minute by Waltemode (Pablo Farrona), proving capable of punching their ticket to the AAC Championship, 3-1.
LEADERS
Waltemode led the way for the Bears with one goal and two shots, while Arroyo tallied one goal. Brennan and Farrona were each featured tallying one assist a piece. Keeper Euan Brindley recorded four saves on the evening.
"All glory goes to the Lord, without Him we would not be in the position we are," said Head Coach Scott Borchers. "I am really proud of the boys for their performances in the playoffs. It is special to see how they have come together, and I can't wait to see what is next!"
UP NEXT
The No. 4 Bears will travel to Dayton, Tenn. on Saturday, November 9 to take on No. 3 Bryan College in the AAC Tournament Championship game. Game time to be determined.
