Buffaloes Stun Eagles in Final Seconds on Sunday

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

MILLIGAN, Tenn. – The last match of the regular season came down to the final moments in Tennessee on Sunday afternoon, and the Buffaloes of Milligan found the back of the net following a corner kick with just four seconds remaining to upset Reinhardt, 1-0, at Anglin Field.

The Eagles – who are guaranteed a share of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) championship – finish the 2020 campaign at 9-1; which is also the most AAC wins in a season in program history.

"Good AAC battle today with two quality teams playing the game the right way," head coach Joey Johnson said. "While it was heart wrenching to lose with four seconds remaining after a 90-minute contest, I am not disappointed in our players. The truth is, that this team has faced unprecedented and historical challenges this year. They have overcome those challenges with a positive outlook, outstanding work ethic and a unity fueled by adversity. I am proud to put my name on this group of young men as they have represented each other, our staff and the RU program with class and distinction this season.

"Although the team is disappointed with the result today, these young men are to be commended as they have secured a share of the AAC regular-season championship with an opportunity to win it outright pending results from remaining AAC fixtures. Although it has been a challenging season, I believe the strength of character built on and off the field through overcoming adversity, the relationships created among teammates and the great memories are all aspects of our experience that we will carry for a lifetime… It has been a privilege to coach this team."

There was a lot on the line today inside the lines, and both teams knew it as they left it all on the field. The physical contest saw a combined 17 fouls and multiple cards as each club tried to find the upper hand in the matchup.

The visitors were able to get more going in the second half after accumulating just one shot in the first 45 minutes on the road.

Reinhardt came out firing in the second stanza and narrowly missed adding tallies early on after hitting the post, going high and being stopped in consecutive attempts. Both teams continued to do their best in breaking the scoreless tie but couldn't finish the task – shot after shot was turned away.

The drama heightened as each minute went by without a tally, which was followed by blocked shots and a try by the Buffaloes that ricocheted off the crossbar at 84:33. A couple minutes later, Gus Fidler went high.

The ball would bounce the right way for Milligan in the final seconds after a corner kick with eight ticks to go led to the match-clinching header at 89:56.

The Eagles combined for nine shots, led by four from Fidler.

Niko Tzevelekos made three saves in 90 minutes in his first defeat of the year.

Dates for the conference championship tournament will be announced shortly by the league as Reinhardt now looks forward to play in the spring semester.

For up-to-the-minute Eagles sports news, follow Reinhardt Athletics on Facebook, @RU_Eagles on Twitter and @ru_eagles on Instagram.

For more information on Reinhardt Men's Soccer, please click here.