Delray Beach, Fla. – The Columbia College men's soccer team was back in action today when they traveled to Delray Beach, Florida, to compete in the 2017 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championships. The Cougars, who defeated the University of Northwestern Ohio Racers 2-0 in the opening round, were able to advance to the quarterfinals of the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championships with a 1-0 victory over Baker (Kan.) University. With the win, Columbia College improves to 19-2-2 on the season.
The Cougars came out in the first half of the game and took it to the Wildcats early. They were able to post four shots in the first 15 minutes of the game including two shots on target. They continued to control the tempo as the half progressed but were unable to find the back of the net as Baker's keeper made two saves in the half. Despite not being able to score, Columbia College played tough defense on the Wildcats throughout the half and the game remained scoreless at the break. The Cougars outshot Baker 11-3 in the half with both sides putting two shots on goal.
The second half started similar to the first half as the Cougars put two shots on goal in the first five minutes. They were finally able to get on the board nine minutes into the period following a foul just outside the Wildcats box. Pere Adrian Servera took the kick for Columbia College finding Aaron Noel inside the box who was able to one touch it past the keeper and into the back of the net for his fourth tally of the season to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. Baker turned up the pressure after the goal but Columbia's defense stood strong as they closed out the game to solidify a spot in the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Quarterfinals for just the second time in program history.
Nicolau Neto was in goal today for Columbia as the senior recorded two saves in his 12th solo shutout of the season.
The Cougars are back in action Wednesday, November 29th when they take on Wayland Baptist (Texas) University in the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Quarterfinals. The Pioneers come into this game with a 16-5-1 record on the season and earned a spot in the quarterfinals after defeating Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) University by a final score of 3-2 earlier today. The game is set to start at 10 a.m. CST in Delray Beach, Florida.
The NAIA Network – the association's official video streaming home – will broadcast all 15 matches live at the 2017 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship final site in Delray Beach, Florida. The video platform, powered by Stretch Internet, allows users access to live video, statistics, and social interaction on a number of devices, including mobile. Single day passes can be purchased for $9.95, while an all-championship tournament package is available at $29.95. For more information and to pre-register, click here.
To view the 2017 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship bracket, click here.
