Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia College men's soccer team was back in action this afternoon when they played host to the Waldorf (Iowa) University Warriors in a nonconference matchup. The Cougars were defeated by the Warriors by a final score of 2-1 and fall to 5-4-1 on the season.
Prior to the match, the NAIA national office announced the fifth Men's Soccer Coaches' Top 25 Poll of the 2018 season. The Cougars, who were ranked 16th in the last poll, fell to 23rd after going 1-1 since the last poll was released including a loss to the second ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University Eagles and a win over the Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) University Trojans.
Columbia College came out in the first half and tested the Warriors keeper early as Logan Mangrum forced him to make a save in the first three minutes of the game. The Cougars continued to push the tempo as the half progressed and created several more scoring chances in the period but were unable to capitalize. They played tough defense in the half and the score remained 0-0 heading into the halftime break. Columbia College outshot Waldorf 5-2 in the half with each team putting one shot on target.
The Warriors came out in the second half and were able to score the first goal of the game less than two minutes into the half to give them a 1-0 lead. They were able to add a second goal to their lead 10 minutes later and held a 2-0 lead in the game. The Cougars battled back over the next few minutes and were able to cut the score to 2-1 with just under 21 minutes left to play. Mako Makoanyane had the goal for Columbia as he was able to head in a rebound, off of a Parker Moon shot, past the keeper and into the back of the net for his second tally of the season. The Cougars continued to attack the Warriors defense down the final stretch of the game looking for the equalizer but were unable to find the back of the net as Waldorf closed them out down the stretch to hand Columbia their fourth loss of the season.
Collin Baker (0-2) got the start in goal in this one, making four saves in the contest.
The men's soccer team is back in action on Saturday, October 6th when they play host to the Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University Lions in an AMC matchup. This will serve as the Columbia College homecoming game with kick-off set for 4 p.m. on R. Marvin Owen's Field.
