Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia College men's soccer team was back in action tonight when they played host to the Lyon (Ark.) College Scots in the AMC Men's Soccer Tournament Semifinals. The Cougars were defeated by the Scots by a final score of 1-0 to fall to 13-5-1 on the season.
Prior to the start of the match, the NAIA national office announced the 10th NAIA Men's Soccer Coaches' Top 25 Poll of the 2018 season. The Cougars, who were ranked 25th in the last poll, moved up three spots to 22nd after defeating the Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) University Trojans in the AMC Men's Soccer Tournament Quarterfinals by a final score of 2-0.
Columbia College came out in the first half and controlled the possession early in the period. They were able to create three corner kick opportunities in the first eight minutes of the contest but were unable to capitalize as the Scots played tough defense. Lyon College was the first to get on the scoreboard with 22 minutes left to play in the half when they were able to beat the Cougar keeper on a shot from just outside the box to make the score 1-0. Columbia College did their best to find an equalizer before the break and forced the Scots keeper to make three saves following the goal but ultimately the score remained 1-0 at the end of the half. The Cougars outshot the Scots 8-3 in the period and put four shots on target.
In the second half of the game, Columbia College came out of the locker room and forced the Scots keeper to make two saves in the first 10 minutes of the half. They continued to push the tempo throughout the half and rarely let the Scots possess the ball on their side of the field. Despite applying a heavy amount of pressure, Columbia College was unable to find the back of the net and Lyon was able to solidify the 1-0 victory to punch their ticket to the AMC Men's Soccer Tournament Championship against Missouri Baptist University.
Ryan Harrisskitt (9-2-1) was in goal tonight for Columbia facing three shots on the night.
The Cougars have solidified a spot in the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Opening Round after winning the AMC regular season title. They will find out who and where they will play on Monday, November 12th when the NAIA announces the brackets.
To view NAIA selection show, click here.
