MONTGOMERY, W.Va. - For the second time in program history, CIU men's soccer stepped up to the pitch to face West Virginia University Institute of Technology, who received votes in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches Poll. This year it marks the regular season opener for the Rams. Last year's matchup with the Golden Bears ended in a tie, and tonight would end the same. A late goal from WVU Tech would leave the final score 1-1. 

Scoring Summary:

CIU took the lead less than 15 minutes into the game when Lucas Galdino found the back of the net for his first goal of the season. The only other two shots in the first half from the Rams were from Marco Mühlebach and Ismael Valverde. 

Bryan Molina and Romulo Barreto took the only shots for CIU in the second half, both saved by the Golden Bears. WVU Tech managed to even the score with ten minutes left in the game, resulting in a draw for the Rams' first contest of the season. 

Matias Breit picked up two saves in his first appearance as a Ram, keeping the Golden Bear offense to just one goal. 

What Coach Bill Brindley is saying: 

"Really proud of the boys regarding our effort the first game of the season, as it was a tough trip against a really tough opponent. It ended with a 1-1 tie, so disappointed with the result. Still, there are positives to take from the game to build on and keep a positive mindset moving onto the next game and rolling into the difficult conference schedule and season." 

Up Next:  

The Rams take on Campbellsville University (Ky.) at home for the first time this season on Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m.