Top Seeds Advance in Men's Soccer Tournament

WALESKA, Ga. - Three shutouts and two one-goal games highlighted the quarterfinal round of the 2025 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Men's Soccer Tournament, as the top four seeds all advanced on Friday.

Top-seeded Union Commonwealth relied on its extraordinary defense in shutting out No. 8 Spartanburg Methodist. Gabriel Mendoza had one save in registering his program-record 11th shutout of the season. As a team, the Bulldogs have logged 13 clean sheets. Gianni Loska scored the game-winner in the 12th minute and assisted on the insurance goal in the 87th minute.

No. 2 seed Milligan poured it on in a 6-0 blanking of No. 7 seed Reinhardt. Kerim Akpinar and Ethan Hayes each recorded a brace, and Emir Basar helped out with 2 assists.

Euan Brindley made nine saves in helping No. 3 seed Truett McConnell defeat sixth-seeded Columbia 1-0. Carlos Ruiz netted the game-winner in the 41st minute.

No. 4 seed Pikeville held on for the 3-2 win over No. 5 seed Tennessee Wesleyan. Sam Allison scored to make it 3-1 in the 76th minute. Nicko Bellot pulled TWU back within 1 in the 83rd minute, but it was too little, too late. 

On Tuesday, Union Commonwealth will host Pikeville, and Milligan will entertain Truett McConnell in the semifinal round. Game times to be announced.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Friday, Oct. 31 (at the higher seed's home site)
Game 1 - No. 1 Union Commonwealth (11-2-4) def. No. 8 Spartanburg Methodist (4-8-4), 2-0 (box)
Game 2 - No. 4 Pikeville (10-5-3) def. No. 5 Tennessee Wesleyan (8-8-1) at, 3-2 (box)
Game 3 - No. 2 Milligan (10-5-2) def. No. 7 Reinhardt (5-9-2), 6-0 (box)
Game 4 - No. 3 Truett McConnell (10-4-3) def. No. 6 Columbia (6-7-4), 1-0 (box)

Tuesday, Nov. 4 (at the higher seed's home site)
Game 5 - No. 4 Pikeville (10-5-3) at No. 1 Union Commonwealth (11-2-4), 3 pm
Game 6 - No. 3 Truett McConnell (10-4-3) at No. 2 Milligan (10-5-2), 5 pm

Saturday, Nov. 8 (at the higher seed's home site)
Game 7 - Championship Game - Game 5 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner, TBD