PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The Truett McConnell Bears (8-1-2 overall, 7-0-0 AAC) claimed their seventh straight Appalachian Athletic Conference win in as many games with a 2-1 win over the University of Pikeville Bears (4-5-2 overall, 2-3-1 AAC) on Saturday.
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TMU showcased their quick-scoring abilities once again, opening the contest with
Jovica Lazarevic's AAC-best 12
th goal of the season less than eight minutes into the match. The moment was created off an impressive offensive sequence, as the Bears completed three passes in the span of five seconds before an immediate
Carlos Ruiz aerial cross that fell perfectly to Lazarevic's left foot. The Serbian showed no hesitation, striking towards the net on the first touch and finding the near upper 90 with precision.
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Following the score, Pikeville outshot Truett McConnell 3-2 before halftime, but none of the three threats were placed on target.
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Yannick Niyigibira added insurance to the lead and secured the win for Truett McConnell just 12 minutes after the break, converting on the Bears' first shot attempt of the second half with a header goal from the right side of the box that reached the far post, made possible by
Hector Herraiz's cross from near the left corner flag.
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Jakob Hendrickson saw a significant increase in action from the Pikeville offense in the second half, making all five of his saves after intermission. He now sits at a .857 save percentage on the season with a 0.54 goals against average, both second bests in their categories in the AAC.
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The Week 7 AAC and NAIA Defensive Player of the Week unfortunately had his campaign for a third straight clean sheet spoiled in the 87
th minute after a penalty kick was awarded to the University of Pikeville and converted by Jakub Rus for his first goal of the season.
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Men's soccer hits the road again on Wednesday, Oct. 14
th with a match against Columbia International University as they hope to build upon their eight-game win streak.
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