Columbia International University Athletics

The Columbia International University men's soccer team opened their season tonight with a game against the 2016 NCCAA DII South Region Champion Trinity Baptist College.The Rams scored two goals in the second half to win their season opener, 2-0. This is the fifth time in the history of the program that the team has won their season opener.

The Rams would put the pressure on the Eagles early as they got two shots on goal within the first three minutes. The Eagles would then start to put some pressure on Dominik Schleinitz as they had some key chances, but every time Schleinitz was a brick wall and kept the Eagles off the board. The two teams would continue to battle as they each were looking for the first goal of the game and to take a lead into the half. The Rams would get the final two shots off the half, but with one saved and the other blocked the game remained scoreless.

The Rams came out of halftime just like they did in the first half and they were rewarded for it just one minute and forty-six second in. Paul Grandacarpio took the corner a put a great ball into the box that Jed Blanchat was able to get a hold of on his chest and get it past the keeper. Blanchat added excitement to the goal as he ran over to the crown and jump on top of the fence. The Rams would continue to dominate the second half as they would have three shots and corner a piece over the next nine minutes. The Eagles would start to push back a little, but just when it looked like they might be able to get back into the game the Rams defense was able to shut it down and push the ball back up the field. The Rams were able to take a breath and know a victory was on its way when Alvaro Urena played the ball Rahim Gordon, who was able to get a slick shot past the keeper to score his first collegiate goal and give the Rams their second goal. As the whistle sounded the Rams opened with an impressive 2-0 victory over the Eagles.

Columbia International outshot Trinity Baptist, 20-10, including 6-5 in shots on goal...The Rams held a strong advantage in corners as they had seven, compared to the Eagles two...Blanchat and Gordan each had a goal, while Grandacarpio and Urena picked up the assists...Schleinitz had five saves as he opened the season and his college career with a shutout.

"It was exciting to open our season at home and to have the fans come out, winning this game is huge for us as it is the first, but it just builds our confindence going into next weekend," said Columbia International Head Coach Bill Brindley. "The guys came out and fought together they really played like a team and family tonight. We look forward to next weekend as we will face off against Reinhardt and Truett-McConnell. Both those teams could easily win their conference so we can't wait to see how we match up against them, but we have to travel to Bluefield first as they have a solid team."

Player of the Match: Jed Blanchat
"Scoring the first goal tonight was such a rush with all the fans we had tonight and having my family here. I couldn't imagine a better way to open my senior year. We came out here tonight looking to play as a family and for each other and we accomplished that. I'm looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish this year as we continue to grow as a team and family."

With the win tonight the Rams are now 5-0 all time against the Eagles...The Rams continue to play well in home openers as they have only lost twice in six years.

Columbia International will be back in action on Tuesday, August 29 when they travel to Bluefield College. The Rams return home on September 9 against the University of Mount Olive.