Columbia, Mo. – The No. 2 Columbia College men's soccer team was back on the field today as they hosted the Opening Round of the 2019 NAIA National Championships. Columbia defeated the Eagles from Embry-Riddle University 2-1, to move on to the final site of the National Championship in Irvine, California. The Cougars continue their undefeated season with a 21-0 record to make it their most wins in program history.
 
Columbia began the first half with majority control of the ball, keeping it on the Embry-Riddle's side of the field for the first twenty minutes until the Eagles took over control for the remainder of the half. At the 32^nd minute, freshmen Nick Brandt crossed the ball which hit the post to come back into the field, but an Eagle player hit the ball right back into the net for the Cougar 1-0 advantage.
 
At the 51^st minute of the game, the Cougars put the pressure on the Eagles when a free kick from Lesia Thetsane found Joey Spotanski who headed it right past the Embry-Riddle goalkeeper. In the final three minutes of the game, the Eagles received their own free kick which was also headed into the back of the net to cut Columbia's lead by one. Despite Embry-Riddle's attempt, Columbia's defensive line stayed strong to claim the victory.

Ryan Harrisskitt was in goal and recorded six saves for Columbia.

The Cougars will be back on the field playing the winner between Baker University and Tennessee Wesleyan University on Tuesday, December 3 in Irvine, California.