Box Score Delray Beach, Fla. – The Columbia College men's soccer team was back in action today when they continued play in Delray Beach, Florida, competing in the 2017 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championships. The Cougars, who defeated Baker (Kan.) University 1-0 in the second round, were unable to advance to the semifinals of the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championships as they fell to Wayland Baptist (Texas) University. The game finished in a 1-1 tie as Wayland Baptist will advance on a 5-4 penalty kick shootout win. Columbia College finished 19-2-3 on the season.
Columbia came out fired up and ready to go as they were able to score just 4 minutes and 14 seconds into the match. Adam Du Toit made a long run down the sideline and was able to connect with Matija Ceraj who found the back of the net for his seventh goal of the season and gave the Cougars an early 1-0 lead over the Pioneers. As the half progressed, the Pioneers were able to tie up the game with a goal from James Westfield with 23 minutes remaining in the half. Both sides continued to battle as they headed into halftime tied 1-1.
Each team came out of the halftime break playing tough defense as they looked to be the one to strike and take the lead in the match. The Cougars controlled most of the possession throughout the half, but the game remained tied at one with less than 10 minutes to go. Neither team was able to find the back of the net as regulation ended with a score of 1-1.
The match would head to overtime where they would have two 10 minute periods and play by the golden goal rule (first team to score wins) before heading to penalty kicks if the game is still tied. After two periods of overtime the match still remained tied as each team had a few looks on goal, but were unable to finish. After a tough battle, the Cougars fell to the Pioneers 5-4 in penalty kicks to end their tremendous season.
Nicolau Neto was in goal today for Columbia as he recorded seven saves in the contest.
Wayland Baptist will play Friday, December 1st, when they take on the winner of the Oklahoma Wesleyan vs. Georgia Gwinnett quarterfinal matchup in the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Semifinals. The game is set to start at 4 p.m. CST on Friday in Delray Beach, Florida.
