Box Score Jackson, MS – The Millsaps men's soccer team lost their first game of the season against Auburn Montgomery despite an outstanding team effort.
The match was a heartbreaking loss as the Majors fell to the Warhawks in the first period of overtime on a goal from Alan Harwell. Harwell's goal was his second of the night as it ended an extremely competitive game by both teams.
"Our effort tonight against a nationally ranked NAIA team in Auburn Montgomery was good", Head Coach Steve Voltz said. "We are proud of the effort, but we have to take better advantage of our scoring opportunities."
The Majors started the game with positive momentum on an Alex Bourland goal just six minutes into the game (Javier Garcia on the assist). Harwell's first goal of the night tied the game up with 20 minutes remaining in the half. The Majors were able to answer when Nico Roth scored on a beautiful assist from Lukas Elmhammar. The two teams went into halftime tied after Auburn Montgomery scored an equalizer with four minutes left in the first half of play (Niklas Hunold, assist Sebastian Wladyko).
No goals were scored in the second half as the intense game carried into overtime. Harwell's game winning goal occurred with three minutes left in the first overtime period.
Tuesday marked a tough loss for the Majors, but there is plenty to learn from the contest.
"The biggest thing that we take out of this game is learning to put away our chances," Coach Voltz said. "If we want to go far into this season, we have to take better advantage of our scoring opportunities."
Auburn Montgomery, an NAIA program, was ranked 23rd in the nation entering their contest against the Majors. The season is in its infant stages, but the Majors have a great deal to build upon after the solid performance Tuesday.
"As far as the effort, heart, and willingness to battle our guys were top notch tonight," Coach Voltz said.
The Majors will look to get their first victory of the season this Friday, Sept. 4th as they travel to Birmingham Southern to take on Louisiana College.
