Columbia, Mo. – The #7 ranked Columbia College men's soccer team opened their season Tuesday night falling 3-0 to the #2 ranked MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) University Pioneers. Both of these teams were coming off of their best finishes in program history last season and were looking to make a statement at the start of the season.

MNU opened up the scoring in the 22^nd minute as Felipe Abreu was able to beat the Columbia goalie on a pass from Eduardo Heringer for his second goal of the season.

They were able to add to their lead just seven minutes later when Akhil Noel was called for a foul in the box. Tanner Hunjak stepped up and buried his penalty shot in the lower right hand corner of the net to make it 2-0 at halftime.

The Pioneers added one more goal in the second half as Trae Hunjak received a ball at the top of the box and fired a shot past the Columbia keeper to make it 3-0.

Despite making four saves in the game, Iain McTurk took the loss in goal for the Cougars.

The Cougars will take the field again on Saturday, September 3^rd as they take on the University of Mobile (Ala.). Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. at R. Marvin Owens Field.