St. Louis, MO – The Millsaps Men's Soccer team fell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament earlier today to Washington University (Missouri).
 
The Majors traveled to Francis Field in St. Louis to face the Bears, who won today's contest 4-2.  After leading 3-1 at halftime, Washington held off the Majors second half rally to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.  The Majors hard fought effort in tonight's defeat completes the season, but they certainly played with outstanding effort.
 
"Extremely proud of our effort tonight," Head Men's Soccer Coach Steve Voltz said.  "We battled to the end against a good side, we certainly were not embarrassed by any means."
 
Davis Cole and Ryan Sproule had the first goals of the day in the 20th and 21st minutes of play.  However, Matt Crooker and the Majors answered.  Nico Roth completed a pass to Crooker, who then scored to cut the Washington lead in half. 
 
Four minutes later, the Bears were able to answer again on a penalty shot.  After drawing a foul inside the Millsaps 18-yard box, Chris Rieger added another goal for the Bears on the ensuing penalty kick.
 
The 3-1-halftime deficit put the Majors in a tough, but familiar position, as many times this season they have come from behind to win.  Millsaps sophomore and former SAA Offensive Player of the Week Alex Bourland began the come from behind effort with a goal in the 63rd minute.  Bourland finished off a Nico Roth pass to cut the Bears lead to one goal.
 
With a great deal of momentum the Majors continued the come from behind rally.  The rally, however, was halted when what seemingly would have been a game-tying goal for the Majors was called back.
 
"That's the critical moment of the game," Coach Voltz said.  "That goal being called back is tough, but we have to learn from it, move on and hopefully use that to our advantage the next time we get an opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament."
 
The Bears would score again in the 83rd minute on an unassisted Grant Baltes goal to end the final come from behind Majors rally.   The late Washington goal solidified the win for the Bears as they earned a 4-2 victory.
 
Tonight's loss, while disappointing, does not negate the remarkable season by the Majors.  Millsaps finishes the season as SAA Tournament Champions with an overall record of 14-5.  The Majors also end the year with the finest season in men's soccer history. 
 
The Majors have a great deal of positive momentum to build upon for next year.  With an SAA Tournament Championship, most wins in school history and first ever NCAA Tournament appearance, the Majors – especially the seniors, have a lot to be proud of.
 
"It's the most successful senior class for Millsaps Soccer," Coach Voltz said.  "I'm proud of their efforts and the team for getting to this point and battling to the end in tonight's game against a very good opponent."