Box Score
Conway, Ark. – The Columbia College men's soccer team was back in action tonight when they traveled to Conway, Arkansas, to take on Central Baptist (Ark.) College in an AMC matchup. The Cougars, who have not been beaten in their last 13 games, were able to extend their streak to 14 after defeating the Mustangs by a final score of 2-1 to improve to 13-2-2 on the season and 9-0-1 in the AMC.
Prior to the game, the NAIA national office announced the eighth NAIA Men's Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll for the 2017 season. The Cougars, who ranked 17th in the last poll, moved down one spot to 18 after defeating Missouri Baptist 2-1 and battling Waldorf (Iowa) University to a 0-0 draw since the last poll was released.
The Cougars came out in the first half of the match and controlled the tempo early in the game. They were able to put three shots on goal in the first 18 minutes but were unable to find the back of the net as the Mustangs keeper made three saves in the period. Central Baptist played good defense as the half progressed and were able to pick up a late goal with just over two minutes to play in the half to take a 1-0 lead into the locker room.
Despite giving up a late goal in the first half, the Cougars were able to bounce back quickly and tied the game within the first two minutes of the period. Matija Ceraj had the goal for Columbia as he was able to head the ball past the Mustangs keeper to make the game 1-1 with 43 minutes remaining in the half. Ceraj was back at it again just 15 minutes later when he headed in a cross from Juan Pablo Agredo for his second goal of the game, and third of the season, to give the Cougars a 2-1 lead in the match. Central Baptist did their best to get back into the game but were not able to score as Columbia closed them out down the stretch and solidified their ninth conference win of the season.
Nicolau Neto was in goal for the Cougars as the senior made five saves in the victory.
The Cougars are back in action on Saturday, October 28th when they play host to the Lyon (Ark.) College Scots in their final game of the regular season. This game will serve as senior day for Columbia College and the seniors will be recognized for their efforts throughout their time in Columbia prior to kick-off. The game is set to start at 3:30 p.m. on R. Marvin Owen's Field.
