Columbia, Mo. – The 11^th-ranked Columbia College men's soccer team advanced in the 2015 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship tournament this evening with a 2-0 win over 21^st-ranked Ashford University in the opening round. The victory improves the Cougars overall record to 18-3.

Columbia held a slight advantage in shots in the first half, posting five compared to four by the Saints, but neither team would be able to find the net as the game remained scoreless at the halftime break. Columbia had a chance to score in the 23^rd minute as Edin Campara rifled a shot in goal, but the ball would ricochet off of an Ashford defender and the goal post, keeping the Cougars off of the board.

Zachary Felz put the Cougars on top just under five minutes into the second half as he launched the ball into the upper right hand corner. Edin Campara took the initial shot on a pass by Matija Ceraj, but the ball was punched out by the goalkeeper to the feet of Felz who then buried it home. Conference Player and Newcomer of the Year, Mitchell Conning, added the Cougar's second tally of the game in the 58^th minute, giving Columbia a 2-0 advantage over the Saints.

Ashford continued to apply pressure over the next 30 minutes, but Columbia's defense held the Saints scoreless as they pulled away with the 2-0 victory.

The Cougars outshot the Saints 12-6 for the game, putting six on the net and held the visitors to zero shots-on-goal. Junior goalkeeper, Iain McTurk (14-1) earned the win in goal.

American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe, Lindenwood University-Belleville also advanced in the tournament today with a 2-1 victory over University of Northwestern Ohio.

The Cougars will head to the final site in Delray Beach, Fla. to take on the winner of tonight's game between No. 3 Baker University and Wiley College on Tuesday, December 1st at Seacrest Soccer Complex. Check back with columbiacougars.com for an update on game times when they become available.