MSOCgr17
1
CIU (SC) CIU (SC) (6-8-5, 4-4-4)
2
Winner Truett McConnell TRUETT M (13-2-2, 11-1)
CIU (SC) CIU (SC)
(6-8-5, 4-4-4)
1
Final
2
Truett McConnell TRUETT M
(13-2-2, 11-1)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
CIU (SC) CIU (SC) 0 1 1
Truett McConnell TRUETT M 0 2 2

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | TMU Athletic Communications

Bears Down the Rams, Advance to AAC Semifinals

Yannick Niyibigira claimed his third game-winning goal of the season in the 77th minute.

CLEVELAND, Ga. – Truett McConnell University men's soccer (13-2-2 overall, 11-1-0 AAC) are set to host their fixture in the 2026 Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament Semifinals after advancing with a 2-1 win over the Columbia International University Rams (6-8-5 overall, 4-4-4 AAC) at the TMU Soccer Complex on Tuesday. 
 
The contest featured a defensive-minded first half from both sides, as the Bears and Rams contributed just three shots each, with only one shot landing on target. Andreas Kosta placed a ball on frame in the 12thminute prompting a save from Truett McConnell keeper Jakob Hendrickson to ensure that the match remained at 0-0 going into halftime. TMU earned six corner kicks in the first 45 minutes but were unable to place a shot on frame.
 
The final 45 minutes of regulation offered much more scoring, including a goal from the conference's leading goal scorer in the 70th minute. After another 25 minutes where only the Rams were able find shots on target, senior Jovica Lazarevic was able to turn the tide by converting a Nick Jeising corner kick at the far post with a header for his 15th goal in 2026.
 
Emotions ran high at the TMU Soccer Complex as three yellow cards were issued within seven minutes following the game's opening goal. The Bears found composure again in the 77th minute as freshman Yannick Niyibigira followed through on a saved Carlos Ruiz shot to bury what served as the game winning goal.
 
Columbia International refused to end their season without a fight, bringing the fixture back within a goal just two minutes after Niyibigira's score when Ive Celic took advantage of an unfortunate Bears back line error to claim his second goal of the year.
 
TMU clamped down on defense for the remaining 21 minutes as the home side did not record another shot after Niyibigira's score, and warded off three more corner kicks and a shot on goal from the Rams. Sophomore Jakob Hendrickson finished the contest with four saves and a .800 save percentage.
 
As the #1 seed in the tournament, Truett McConnell is positioned to host their semifinal match on Saturday, Nov. 7th against the #5 University of Pikeville Bears with match start time to be determined in the near future. 
 
Print Friendly Version