The Columbia International University Rams were back on the pitch tonight for their season opener. The Rams welcomed the Royals of Regent University for the opener. This was the second ever meeting between the teams as they faced off last year in the NCCAA South Region Semi-Final which the Rams won 16-0. Tonight was a little different, but the Rams came out on top with a 4-0 victory.

1st Half Highlights:

• It only took the Rams five minutes to get their first shot of the game by Rahim Gordon and get the first corner
• Just 13 minutes into the game the Rams were able to put together a solid attack as Ricky Prestridge and Jeremiah Ruth found Marcos DaPaz for the first goal of the season and his career
• The Rams continued to control the game as they got off a lot of shots and were awarded a couple corners, but went into the half leading 1-0
• In the first half the Rams had 12 shots and five corners

2nd Half Highlights:

• Much like the first half the Rams got their first goal of the second half just over thirteen minutes in, but this time it was Prestridge who found the back of the net
• The Rams continued to push the envelope and get off shots, but couldn't find that third goal. However, with 8:30 left in the game Marcos DaPaz was able to deposit another ball in the back of the net with Karabo Mahlatsane picking up the assist
• The Rams got their fourth goal after a cross went off the keepers hands for an own goal

Box Score Numbers: The Rams dominated with 30 shots and 10 on goal, while the Royals had five shots and one on goal...The Rams had 11 corner kicks...Dominik Schleinitz had a clean sheet tonight with one save on his way to the victory...Marcos DaPaz led the Rams with two goals...Ricky Prestridge chipped in with the other goal...Prestridge, Ruth, and Mahlatsane picked up assists tonight...Trey Colley led the Royals with two shots.

Up Next: The Rams will be back on the pitch on Tuesday. The Eagles of Toccoa Falls College will travel to Columbia for a 7 pm kick-off.