Columbia International University Athletics

After falling to a nationally ranked team their last time out the Rams were excited to get back on the field. The Rams faced off against the Southern Wesleyan University Warriors in a key mid season NCCAA South Region matchup. With both teams evenly matched it took until the last five minutes for the game to be decided. The Warriors would beat the Rams 2-1. With the win the Warriors move to 2-4, while the Rams fall to 2-4-1.

The Ram came out firing as they were able to get two shots off in the first five minutes of the contest, while the Warriors would get their first shot off around the 7:30 mark. Less than a minute after that shot, Dominik Byars would push the ball up the field and abandon his regular defensive position to attack the Warriors defense and after a beautiful cross into the box Alvaro Urena was able to get foot on it and kick a screaming ball past the keeper. The Warriors would start to put some pressure on the Rams and would break through to tie the game just over four minutes after the Rams goal. Throughout the middle part of the first half it was the Warriors who had all the momentum and were putting a decent amount of pressure on the Rams. Towards the end of the half the Rams would start to attack a little more, but the teams would remain tied at one after the first half.

Much like the first half the Rams got off the first shot of the second half as Rahim Gordon was able to head the ball, but it was right into the hands of the keeper. Each team matched what the other was doing throughout the whole second half, but with about 5:30 remaining the Warriors were able to find a bouncing ball in the box and deposit it into the back of the goal. The Rams would push for the equalizer, and just missed with eleven second left has Byars headed the ball high. The game would end 2-1 with the Warriors picking up the win.

Southern Wesleyan led with 18 shots with eight being on goal, while Columbia International had 11 shots with five on goal...The Warriors also held a slight edge in corner kicks 6-5...Alvaro Urena's goal was his second of the season...Dominik Byars' assist was his first collegiate point...Dominik Schleinitz had a big game in goal tonight with six saves.

"Tonight was a tough and physical game, but the guys battled," said Head Coach Bill Brindley. "The guys came out firing, but we just weren't able to finish. We have a quick turn around as we play on Friday so now we have to get ready for the University of the Cumberlands."

Columbia International will play again on Friday at 7 p.m. as they host the University of the Cumberlands. The Rams beat the Patriots, 1-0, last season.