Columbia International University Athletics

The last couple games have not been what the Rams were looking for as they were on a slight losing streak, but they had a chance to snap it tonight. The Rams welcomed the University of the Cumberlands Patriots to Sessions Field. The Rams and Patriots battled for 110 minutes, but neither team could find that golden goal and tied 1-1. The Rams snapped their losing streak and now have a record of 2-4-2, while the Patriots record sits at 4-2-3.

The Patriots got on the ball first as they had two corners and one shot in the first five minutes of the game. The Rams would then have two shots and one corner over a minute span. After all the early activity the two teams would remain scoreless. Over the next twelve minutes or so the two teams would match each other evenly, but from the 18:51 mark to the 34:11 mark it was all Rams. Over that time period the Rams would have five shots and two corners. However, the Patriots would strike first as they scored with just under six minutes remaining in the half and they would take that lead into the break.

That goal woke up the Rams as they game out on fire in the second half. Just under two minutes into the second half the Rams were awarded a free kick after a Patriots foul and they made the most of it. Paul Grandacarpio was able to put a great ball into the box that Jed Blanchat got a head on and got it in the back of the net to tie the game at one. In a minute and four second span later in the half the Rams were awarded four corner kicks, but were unable to convert. Throughout the rest of the second half the two teams matched each other shot for shot and would need extra time with the game tied at one.

In the first overtime the only action was a shot from Paul Grandacarpio that was blocked so it was on to a second overtime. The second overtime had a lot more action as the Patriots had two corner kicks in the first two minutes. The Rams would get the first shot of the second overtime as Victor Marons' shot went just high. With fifty seconds remaining the Rams pushed and Dominik Byars was able to get a shot off that just squeak over the crossbar. As the horn sounded and the 110 minutes were up the two team battled to a draw.

Columbia International had 15 shots with five being on goal, while the Patriots had nine shots with four on goal...The Patriots held a slight edge in corners, 10-9...Dominik Schleinitz had three saves for the Rams...With his goal Jed Blanchat now has two goals on the season both via his head..

"We played a hard game tonight and it was a battle all throughout," said Head Coach Bill Brindley. "The guys showed some resilience tonight against a very good Patriots team. We are back on the field Tuesday at Bob Jones some we will take a look at this game and then start our preparation for Bob Jones," said Brindley.

Columbia International travels to Bob Jones University on Tuesday for a 6 p.m. game.