CLEVELAND, Ga. – Truett McConnell University men's soccer (7-1-2 overall, 6-0-0 AAC) remains perfect in Appalachian Athletic Conference play after an intense 2-0 win over the Milligan University Buffaloes (6-2-2 overall, 3-2-1 AAC) at home on Saturday.
While Truett McConnell's offense has been known for quick scoring throughout 2026, they were held at bay for the first 34 minute of the match with just four shot attempts. The tide turned in the 35
th minute as
Guillermo Peino was fouled with heavy contact by Buffs keeper Sergi Cruz inside the six-yard box, handing TMU a penalty kick. With the Bears usual PK taker
Jovica Lazarevic subbed off just a minute prior,
Pablo Farrona was the player in yellow to step to the mark and bury the game winner. However, the Spaniard was sent off the pitch immediately following the score with Truett McConnell's first card of the match: a red card for taunting.
The Bears remained relatively composed after the call, and were able to add security to their lead just after halftime thanks to
Nick Jeising's impressive free kick goal in the 46
th minute. The Bears would continue to look for insurance with four more shots but the scored rested at 2-0.
After a seven-save performance against Bryan College on Wednesday, sophomore keeper
Jakob Hendrickson once again rose to the occasion, claiming six saves against the Buffs and recording his second-straight clean sheet. The Chatsworth, Ga. native now has 25 saves on the season, a .862 save percentage and just four goals allowed through nine appearances.
Emotions were high throughout the match as a total of seven cards were administered between the two sides, but ultimately Truett McConnell stood tall despite being down a man for 55 minutes, added two goals to their now +29 goal differential on the season and marked their fifth clean sheet on the year.
The Bears will once again put their win streak and AAC record to the test next Saturday as they travel to face the University of Pikeville.
