PIKEVILLE, Ky. - CIU men's soccer visited the University of Pikeville on Wednesday for the first time as the Bears are the newest addition to the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). The Rams entered the match coming off a 4-0 win over Bryan College (Tenn.), and the momentum carried them into a 3-0 win over Pikeville, improving their record to 7-1-3 (5-1-2). 

Match Summary: CIU remained in control of the possession for most of the first frame as they prevented Pikeville from taking any shots. Zion Atkinson took the first shot for the Rams, followed by Bryan Molina, then Atkinson again. The Bears' keeper blocked Atkinson's shots while Molina's sailed high. 

Marlon Williams and Molina both made an attempts that went over the crossbar, and a Molina header was saved, preventing CIU from getting on the board. The Rams could not capitalize on two corner kicks from Lucas Galdino, but they continued to work the keeper. CIU took 12 shots before Molina found the back of the net to give the Rams a 1-0 lead (32:20). 

After fouls and yellow cards were handed out, the score was still 1-0 going into the second half. 

Romula Barreto scored quickly into the second half to give CIU a 2-0 advantage (51:47). The Bears took their first shot of the game not long after, but Chase Knizek was able to gather it in.

The Rams continued to work offensively, taking shots and forcing corner kicks. CIU extended their lead 3-0 after Benedict Kartheuser scored on a penalty kick (64:10). 

Igor Eduardo joined in on the action, taking his first shot of the game, but it could not find the back of the net. Mariano Calderon put an impressive shot on goal, but it banged off the post. Noe Limas entered the game and quickly pressured the defense with a shot that went wide. This was the game's last scoring attempt for either team, securing CIU's 3-0 win on the road.

The Rams put on a display on both ends of the field, with the offense taking 27 shots and the defense holding Pikeville to just one. Molina had an impressive outing with seven shots and one goal. Barreto followed with 6 shots and one goal, and Kartheuser scored his first goal of the season. 

What Coach Bill Brindley is saying: "Great win today, I am really pleased with the way the team is playing right now."