Box Score Men's Soccer victorious in season opener

Columbia, Mo. - The Cougar men's soccer team scored a 3-1 victory over visiting Central Methodist (Mo.) University on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams. Columbia moves to 1-0 to begin the year, while the Eagles fall to 0-1.

Junior Marko Paunovic got the Cougars on the scoreboard early with a goal at the 4:54 mark of the first period. Antonio Ayres assisted on the score. Columbia took a 2-0 lead just over four minutes later as Edin Campara scored off an assist from Paunovic. Central Methodist pulled within one after a goal by Erwin Sanchez Jr. with 28:47 remaining in the opening half. The Cougars regained a two-goal advantage on a score by Rafael Ramos with just over a minute to play in the period. Dale McCormack picked up the assist on the play.

Despite a combined 12 shots between the two squads, neither team could find the net over the final 45 minutes as Columbia was able to preserve the 3-1 win. The Cougars outshot the Eagles 13-8 during the contest and senior Matt McKenna had one save in goal for Columbia to earn the victory.

The Cougars will be back in action on Sunday, September 1^st when they host 23^rd-ranked Kansas Wesleyan University. Game time is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at R. Marvin Owens Soccer Stadium.