KISSIMMEE, FLA. - After being knocked out in the second round of the NAIA Championships last week, CIU men's soccer set their sights on competing in this year's NCCAA National Championship. The Rams, as the top-seed, began pool play against the No. 9 seed Warner University (Fla.) on Monday afternoon at the Austin-Tindall Sports Complex, the host site for this season's tournament. Coach Brindley's squad looked to take down the Royals for the first time in program history. The Rams took care of business, defeating the Royal 2-1 in their first game in Kissimmee. 

Scoring Summary:
The first 45 minutes of play was as expected between the two squads, with each team taking seven shots in the period. The Rams would get on the board first at the 27:35 mark due to an own goal played back ito the keeper. Warner would answer with a goal at the 35:02 minute mark as Kendy Pierre would intercept a pass from a Rams defender and find the net to tie the contest at one goal apiece. The game would go into the break tied 1-1.

CIU would score what on proved to be the game-winner at the 71:58 mark as Juan Ospina would chip a ball into the box to Rafael Carneiro who would head the ball into the net. Carneiro's goal marks his tenth goal of the season which puts him in at a tie for most goals on the team with fellow senior Romulo Barreto. The Rams improve to 18-3 this season, defeating the Warner University Royals for the first time in program history. 

What's Next:
The Rams will take on the No. 6 seed Bethesda College in their final pool play game on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 1 PM.