Union Men’s Soccer Captures AAC Tournament Championship
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Milligan (TN) (11-6-2, 8-3-1) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Union Commonwealth (13-2-4, 9-0-3) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – Union Commonwealth University's men's soccer team (13-2-4) claimed the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament Championship with a 1-0 victory over Milligan (11-6-2) on Saturday at Williamson Stadium.
The title marks Union's first AAC Tournament Championship since 2019 and the first time since 2016 that the Bulldogs have captured both the regular-season and tournament crowns in the same year.
Game Recap
First Half – Union Commonwealth 0, Milligan 0
Union's defensive unit continued its season-long dominance, keeping the Buffs at bay throughout the first 45 minutes. In the 26th minute, Milligan's Kerim Akpinar nearly broke through with a shot that slipped past goalkeeper Gabriel Mendoza, but defender Laurin Fürmeier made a clutch goal-line clearance to preserve the scoreless tie.
The Bulldogs tallied three shots in the half, while Mendoza recorded two saves to keep Union level heading into the break.
Second Half – Union Commonwealth 1, Milligan 0
Union broke through in the 50th minute when Oriol Gásquez Pérez's header was initially saved by Milligan goalkeeper Adria Alles, but the rebound fell to Ron-Jay Watson, who buried the loose ball for what proved to be the match-winner. Watson now leads the Bulldogs with six goals on the season, while Gásquez Pérez picked up the assist.
Union's back line held firm for the remainder of the match, stifling Milligan's attack and securing the clean sheet. The Bulldogs outshot the Buffs 14-13, placing four on target. Mendoza finished with four saves, while Fürmeier added one defensive stop.
Union continues to lead the NAIA in goals-against average (0.28) and shutouts (15), extending its record-breaking defensive campaign.
Check out the Access Health Man of the Match here.
Up Next
The Bulldogs now await the release of the NAIA National Championship bracket to learn their opening-round opponent.
