CLEVELAND, Ga. – The Truett McConnell University Bears (14-2-2 overall, 11-1-0 AAC) will host the 2026 Appalachian Athletic Conference Finals after securing their spot in the championship game with a 4-1 rout of the University of Pikeville Bears (7-8-4 overall, 5-5-2 AAC) at the TMU Soccer Complex on Saturday.
Scoring began in the 10
th minute as senior
Roman Reynolds made good on Truett McConnell's only shot on goal in the first half, finishing a corner kick header for his ninth goal of the season and converting on
Nick Jeising's seventh assist in 2026.
Pikeville found its response in the 30
th minute after an aerial downfield pass from Martin Larraguibel was poked into the net by Jakub Rus to even the contest.
Despite TMU posting more shot attempts in the first 45 minutes, Pikeville offered the most shots on goal in the first half as sophomore
Jakob Hendrickson recorded two saves.
The Truett McConnell Bears took over in the second half, recording three unanswered goals and displaying impressive defense.
Jovica Lazarevic secured his 16
th goal and fourth game winner of the year in the 62
nd minute after burying a penalty kick past the Pikeville keeper.
Hendrickson's only save of the second half came at the 67:58 mark, but it could not have been more impressive. The sophomore leaped into the top left corner of the net and used his right fist to deny Dylan Roberts from leveling the contest.
Guillermo Peino brought the Bears' lead some insurance at the 79
th minute as he took advantage of an open lane created by a shot from
Thomas Hill a moment before that was initially saved.
Hill would later get his chance to shine as the sophomore started the celebration at the TMU Soccer Complex early, scoring in the 89
th minute in his first career start to provide Jeising with another tally in the assist column and confirm the victory for Truett McConnell.
With the win, Truett McConnell men's soccer will host the AAC Finals in Cleveland, Ga. for the first time in nine years on Wednesday, Nov. 11
th. They are set to face the Union Commonwealth Bulldogs after their 4-1 win over Milligan in Barbourville, Ky. on Saturday. The two sides battled to a 3-2 Bears win in September at the TMU Soccer Complex. Kickoff time for Wednesday is set to be announced in the near future.
