Mendoza Matches Program Shutout Record in Union’s Draw with Milligan

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. - Union Commonwealth University's men's soccer team (9-2-4, 8-0-3 AAC) tied with Milligan (9-4-2, 8-3-1 AAC) Saturday at Anglin Field, 0-0.

Game Recap

First Half: Union Commonwealth 0, Milligan 0

The score remained deadlocked at 0-0 through the first half as Union's defense continued its dominant form, shutting down several Milligan attacks to keep the Buffaloes off the board. The Bulldogs, who have been among the nation's best on the back line all season, currently rank second in the NAIA in goals-against average (0.35), just behind Keiser (0.33).

Union created several chances of its own, recording four shots in the opening half, while Milligan managed nine. Despite the pressure, the Bulldogs stayed organized defensively and limited the Buffaloes' quality looks at goal.

Second Half: Union Commonwealth 0, Milligan 0

The match concluded in a scoreless draw, highlighted by another dominant defensive performance from Union. The Bulldogs controlled possession for much of the contest, outshooting Milligan 22-11 and placing seven shots on frame compared to the Buffaloes' two.

Oriol Gásquez Pérez led the attack with six shots, consistently pressuring the Milligan back line. Jordan Blake, Takuma Kiuchi and Ron-Jay Watson each added three attempts, while Eduardo Ribeiro and Rocco Cimino registered two apiece. George Goulingay, Shane Van Den Aardweg and Tyrique Bailey-Edwards also contributed with one shot each.

Goalkeeper Gabriel Mendoza was steady once again, recording one save to secure his 10th shutout of the season — tying the program's single-season record set by Marcelo Mercuri in 2016. With the result, Union now boasts 11 team shutouts on the year, sitting just one away from matching the all-time program mark.

With the draw, the Bulldogs remain in position to clinch the AAC regular-season title for the second straight year. A win over Bluefield on Wednesday would secure back-to-back conference championships for Union.

Up Next

The Bulldogs will play at home at Williamson Stadium for Senior Night on Wednesday, Oct. 22 to take on Bluefield at 4:00 p.m.