COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU men's soccer hosted Montreat College (N.C.) on Wednesday night for another Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup. The Rams are coming off two back-to-back losses but rebounded well for a 3-0 win over the Cavaliers. CIU is now 8-3-3 overall and 6-3-2 in conference play and is sitting No. 6 in the conference standings. 

Match Summary: CIU was the first to strike with a goal from Zion Atkinson off an assist by Juan Ospina (12:00) to give the Rams a 1-0 lead. They maintained control of the ball for most of the first half with six shots and five corner kicks. 

Coming back from an injury, Sohya Yamamoto entered the match and found the back of the net six minutes later (37:10) for a 2-0 lead before the half. 

The Cavaliers' offense came out stronger in the second frame, forcing a corner kick in the first five minutes. Chase Knizek picked up two saves, and Ismael Valverde collected a defensive save to keep them off the board. 

Yamamoto took a corner kick that the Rams could not take advantage of, and Montreat's keeper hauled in Marco Muhlebach shot attempt. 

Thanks to CIU Athletics sponsor Chick-Fil-a South Two Notch, the Rams ran an 8 under 8 promotion (a goal under the 8-minute mark gives all fans an 8-count chicken nugget) that Bryan Molina triggered with a goal in the last few minutes of the game (88:44) assisted by Ospina. This goal gave CIU a 3-0 advantage to record a clean sheet against Montreat. 

The Rams recorded 11 shots tonight, with 10 on goal. Yamamoto led the way with three, and Atkinson and Muhlebach recorded two each. 

What Coach Bill Brindley is saying: "Really pleased with the response from the boys tonight. This was an important win against a good Montreat team." 

Up Next: CIU hosts No. 17 Union College on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 12:00 p.m. for Senior Day. The seniors will be honored after the men's game, before the start of the women's game.