Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar soccer squad picked up their fifth win of the season today as they defeated American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Benedictine University-Springfield 5-1. Today's game was part of Columbia College's Homecoming/Family Day activities. The Cougars improve to 5-3-1 on the season and move to 3-1 in AMC play. The Bulldogs from Hannibal-LaGrange drop to 4-5-0 overall and 1-2 in conference action.

Less than five minutes into the first half, junior forward, Vadim Cojocov put the Cougars on the board with his fourth goal of the season off an assist by Matija Ceraj. Rasmus Juul Pedersen gave Columbia a 2-0 lead when he blasted a shot to find the back of the net in the 25^th minute. Nick Horne and Matija Ceraj assisted on the goal. Sophomore Edin Campara would wrap up the scoring in the first period when he tallied his first goal of the season to give the Cougars an insurance goal heading into the second half.

Five minutes into the second half, the Bulldogs recouped when senior midfielder Oscar Garcia found the back of the net. Columbia's Marko Paunovic would add another goal in the 64^th minute off an assist by Nick Horne to take the 4-1 lead. Akhil Noel headed in the final goal for the Cougars in the 73^rd minute. Mark Steiniger assisted on the play. The Cougar defense held the Bulldogs in the final 15 minutes of play to pick up the 5-1 match win.

Columbia posted an 18-7 shot advantage in the match, including an 8-2 edge in shots on goal.

Senior keeper Brady Wulff earned the win in goal with one save out of two shots on goal.

Columbia continues AMC play next week when they head to Fulton, Mo. to face the Owls of William Woods University. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8^th.