COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU men's soccer took the pitch for a highly anticipated contest with St. Andrews University (N.C.) on Wednesday. The matchup not only had conference postseason implications for both teams, but it was also the Knights that knocked the Rams out of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) tournament a year ago. 

After being scoreless throughout most of the game, the Knights struck late. Despite some opportunities for CIU to put in the equalizer, SAU managed to hold on to take down the Rams 1-0. 

Scoring Summary: 
Both squads battle for possession in the early going. However, neither team managed to put together consistent attacks until the latter part of the first frame due to some physical play from both sides. CIU outshot the SAU 5-1 in the first half but came away with no goals as the match remained 0-0 entering the second frame. 

SAU would pick up the offensive intensity in the second frame.  The Knights were able to fire off five shots despite just having one in the first period. Unfortunately, after holding SAU at bay for most of the contest, the Rams would give up the game's only goal in the 84' minute. CIU would have some chances late inside the box but came away empty as they missed several shots on goal. 

With the loss, CIU moves to 8-3-3 on the year and 7-2-2 in AAC play. The Rams have two contests remaining in the regular season as they continue to fight for position in the top-heavy AAC standings.

Up Next: 
CIU will travel to Bryan (Tenn.) Saturday, Oct. 29, for their final road match of the regular season. Kick-off is set for 3:30 PM in Dayton, Tenn.