Box Score Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia College men's soccer team was back in action as they hosted the 22nd ranked William Woods University Owls in the AMC Game of the Week. The Cougars were victorious in an intense match with the Owls, as they came out on top 2-1. Columbia improves to 12-4-1 on the season and finishes 11-0 in conference play. With the win, Columbia claims the AMC Regular Season Title. They have also clinched home field advantage throughout the AMC Postseason Tournament. The title also means that the Cougars receive an automatic bid to the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Opening Round.
With the AMC Regular Season Title on the line, the game was going to be a battle through and through. 20 minutes into the match, neither side was able to take the advantage just yet. Each side was showing strong defense as there were not many shots taken in the half. As a chippy first half of soccer came to a close, there were goose eggs on the scoreboard. Columbia had one shot, while William Woods had three of their own.
About 15 minutes into the second half, the Cougars just missed tucking one in the net. Then just minutes later, Parker Moon was able to poke one through two defenders and right past the goalkeeper, giving Columbia the 1-0 edge. Ryan Harrisskitt came up with a huge save punching the ball over the crossbar to keep the Owls from tying the game with just under 30 minutes remaining. About five minutes later, Lesia Thetsane crossed the ball and it would end up being deflected in the net by an Owl resulting in an own goal and giving the Cougars a 2-0 lead. With a scramble in the box, Woods was able to grab a goal cutting the lead in half, 2-1 with 23 minutes to play. Another huge defensive play from Columbia as Thetsane cleared the ball off the goal line, preventing the Owls from tying the game. With under 10 to play, the Title on the line, the contest continued to be extremely physical. The own goal that gave the Cougars the 2-1 lead would prove to be a dagger as Columbia hung on to win the game and claim the AMC Regular Season Title.
Ryan Harrisskitt (9-1-1) was in goal as he recorded four saves on the night.
The men's soccer team is back in action on Saturday, November 3rd, when they play in the AMC Quarterfinals. The game is set to start at 3 p.m. at R. Marvin Owens Field.
Prior to the game, Columbia took the time to honor their seniors, Adam Smith, Zion Hartzler, Brendan Mann, Pere Adrian Severa, Adam Du Toit, Cameron Durst, and Joey Koetting for all of their hard work and dedication on and off the field.
Adam Smith, a midfielder from St. Charles, Missouri, plans to graduate this spring with a degree in Business Management. His favorite memory as a Cougar was making it to the National Tournament his junior season. Adam would like to thank his family, coaches, teammates, and the CC faculty and staff for a great experience.
Zion Hartzler, a defender from Gunn City, Missouri and Kampala, Uganda, plans to graduate in December 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Since his arrival, Zion has played in 33 games, tallying one goal and one assist. His favorite memory as a Cougar was being able to play with his brother Shon last year. Zion would like to thank Columbia College for allowing him be a part of this family.
Brendan Mann, a midfielder from O'Fallon, Missouri, plans to graduate in the spring with a degree in Business Administration. Since his arrival, Brendan has played in 27 games, recording two goals. His favorite memory as a Cougar was going to the National Tournament his junior year. Brendan would like to thank his family as well Columbia College Academic and Athletic Staff members for the opportunity to play competitive soccer and achieve his degree. He also wants to thank his teammates who have been like family to him the past two years.
Pere Adrian Severa, a defender and midfielder from Mallorca, Spain, plans to graduate in the spring with a degree in Health Care Management. Since his arrival, Pere has played in 56 games, recording four goals, 11 assists, and three game winning goals. In 2016 Pere was named to the AMC Honorable Mention team. His favorite memory as a Cougar was traveling to Florida for the National Tournament and making it to the Elite Eight his junior year. Pere would like to thank his teammates, coaches, faculty, staff, and family.
Adam Du Toit, a forward from Farmborough, England, plans to graduate in the fall of 2019 with a degree in Marketing. Since his arrival, he has played in 38 games, recording 12 goals, 11 assists, and five game winning goals. As a junior, Adam was named to the all-conference team, conference Offensive Player of the Week, and was a 2017 NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. His favorite memory as a Cougar was winning the opening round of Nationals on his home field. Adam would like to thank his friends, family, advisors, and coaches.
Cameron Durst, a defender from Canton, Missouri, plans to graduate in the spring with a degree in Elementary Education. Since his arrival, Cameron has played in 74 games, recording two goals and four assists, while playing a key role in CC's defense. His favorite memory as a Cougar was going to Florida twice for Nationals and chillin' on the beach with the homies. Cameron would like to thank his family, coaches, and friends for giving him a lifetime of memories and all of their support throughout the years.
Joey Koetting, a forward from Columbia, Missouri, plans to graduate in the spring with a degree in Sports Management. Since his arrival, Joey has played in 57 games, tallying 18 goals, six assists, and five game winning goals. He was named to the Academic All-Conference in 2016 and 2017. He was also a 2017 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete and received AMC Offensive Player of the Week during his junior season. His favorite memory as a Cougar was his freshman year experience at the National Tournament. Joey would like to thank his parents and brother, as well as his past and current teammates and coaches. Without these people he wouldn't be the person and player he is today.
