COLUMBIA, S.C. — CIU men's soccer fell 3-0 to Union Commonwealth University on Saturday afternoon, unable to overcome an early deficit despite stretches of solid defensive play.

Union Commonwealth struck just two minutes into the match and doubled its lead in the 31st minute to put the Rams in a 2-0 hole at halftime. CIU's back line came back stronger in the second half, but the visitors added an insurance goal in the 70th minute to seal the result.

The Rams struggled to create consistent scoring chances, finishing with just four total shots and none on target. Nathan King, Landon Guevara, and Josue Pirela each managed attempts, but Union's defense held firm.

Goalkeeper Vasilios Diakomihali kept CIU in the game with three saves, including back-to-back stops late in the first half. 

With the loss, CIU dropped to 1-3-1 overall and 0-2-1 in conference play. The Rams will look to rebound in their next match as they host Montreat College on Sept. 17,