COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU men's soccer team welcomed Carolina University (N.C.) to the Southeastern Freight Lines Soccer Center for the first game of the season for CIU (0-1). Last year, CIU outplayed Carolina 6-0; this year was a different story, however, as the Rams fought until the final whistle but would come up short, losing their first game of the season 5-4. 

Scoring Summary: Saturday's contest was a physical one with 23 fouls called, three yellow cards, and one red card handed out. The Bruins took control of the game early, scoring in under three minutes with a goal from Mario Salinas on an assist from Joe Reynolds. The Rams responded quickly with a goal from Praise Kabwe on an assist from Trevor Howard. Despite the response from CIU, the Bruins scored twice more before the end of the first half. The Rams were able to cut the lead to 3-2 at the 39:46 minute mark with a goal from Michael Abongo on an assist from Sohya Yamamoto. Carolina added another goal in the second half, but the Rams were able to tie things up at the 80:51 minute mark with goals from Sohya Yamamoto and Zion Atkinson. CIU ultimately could not hold off the Bruins, as they scored one more in the latter portion of the second half to take the game 5-4. 

Up Next: The Rams will face Brewton-Parker College (Ga.) on Monday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. for the first game on Sessions Field this season.