Box Score Springfield, Ill. - The Cougar men's soccer team defeated Benedictine University at Springfield (Ill.) by a score of 6-0 on Tuesday night in their American Midwest Conference (AMC) opener. Columbia, ranked 19th in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, improves to 4-2-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play with the victory.

The Cougars wasted little time in getting on the board in the first half as junior Marko Paunovic converted a penalty kick less than two minutes into the game for his team-leading seventh goal of the season. Just over a minute later, Paunovic struck again to put Columbia in front 2-0 with just over three minutes gone by in the opening period. Zac Walters scored Columbia's third goal of the half at the 13:36 mark and the Cougars would hold a 3-0 lead after 45 minutes of play.

Columbia added three more goals following the halftime break, including two by sophomore Matt Kelly in the 54^th and 67^th minutes. Freshman Clemente Rossi added his second goal of the year in the 64^th minute as well. The Cougars posted eight shots in the first period and nine more in the second to finish with 17 (12 on goal) for the game, while limiting the Bulldogs to just three on the night. Matt McKenna and Brady Wulff each had a save in combining for the shutout in goal for Columbia. Paunovic, Jacob Rocco, and Zach Oppland each contributed an assist in the contest.

The Cougars will continue conference play on Friday, September 20^th when they travel to Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University. Game time is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. in St. Louis, Mo.