The Columbia International University men's soccer team had one more game to play in the Thomas Trammell Memorial Classic before heading home and they made the most of it. The Rams were able to score the only goal of the game to propel themselves to victory. With the win the Rams move to 1-1 on the season, while the University of the Cumberlands drops to 0-2.

The Rams wasted no time in today's match as they were able to get a shot off just 48 seconds into the game. Freshman Alex Hackett had the chance, but the ball just went wide. However, the Patriots would push the ball down the field less than a minute later, but Luke Brooks was there to make the save. The Patriots would get two more shots off before the Rams could get anymore, but when the Rams were able to get the ball back on the Patriots side of the field they made them work. In a matter of nine seconds Agustin Arce-Ruiz and Zach Wolfenden were able to get two shots off, but the Patriots goalie was there to make the saves. Each team would continue to have some chances, but no one could find the back of the net. That was until Nolan Dorton came in. With just a little over eight minutes remaining in the first half Nolan Dorton entered the game and made the most of his opportunity heading the ball off a pass from Guillermo Arce-Ruiz. The goal gave the Rams the lead and it stayed that way for the rest of the half. The Rams went into halftime with a one goal lead and the momentum.

The second half started just like the first as the Rams were able to get the first shot off. The shot came from Paul Grandacarpio as he was so close to putting the Rams up by two, but the ball hit the crossbar. Each team continued to put pressure on the others defense in an effort to score, but neither could find the weak spot to get it past the goalie. The most intense part of the game was when the Patriots were awarded a penalty kick with just over 14 minutes remaining. The Patriots Joey Ferguson stepped up to the ball to try and tie the game for his team, but he pushed the ball wide. This was a huge break for the Rams as it helped them retain their one goal lead. The Patriots would get two more shots off, but neither on goal. As the clock hit zero the scoreboard read 1-0 in favor of the Rams giving them their first win of the year.

The Rams had a very strong offensive game as they were able to register 11 shots with 7 on goal...The Rams also had three corner kicks...Nolan Dorton led the Rams with the only goal...Wolfenden led the team with two shots on goal...Luke Brooks was solid in goal for the Rams as he had two saves and was named the Thomas Trammell man of the match.

Coach James Whitaker had this to say on the game, "I'm extremely proud of the team and the win today. It was a very physical match that took a toll on the team, but it was a total team win and a lot of guys stepped up to contribute. It is still very early on in the season, but I'm encouraged by the teams' mindset and growth at this point in the year."

The Rams will have Sunday and Monday off before they travel to Trinity Baptist College on Tuesday to play a 4:00 p.m. game.