COLUMBIA, S.C. — The CIU men's soccer team fell to Johnson University, 2-0, Monday afternoon at Sessions Field.
The Rams (6-7-4) kept Johnson scoreless through the opening 30 minutes before the visitors found the back of the net in the 31st minute. Johnson added a second goal in the 41st minute to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.
CIU goalkeeper Vasilios Diakomihalis recorded seven saves in the contest, keeping the Rams within striking distance as the defense worked to limit Johnson's opportunities in the second half.
The Rams responded after the break, generating five shots and earning five corner kicks in the second half. CIU continued to pressure the Johnson defense late in the match, with Julian Rodriguez putting a header on target in the 76th minute. Fernando Ferro and Nathan King also recorded shots on goal in the closing minutes, but the Rams were unable to find the net.
CIU finished with eight shots, including five on goal, and earned five corner kicks. Johnson recorded 15 shots and four corner kicks. The Rams held the visitors scoreless throughout the second half but could not overcome the two first-half goals.
The Rams will look to bounce back in their regular season finale, a home meeting with University of Pikeville, Oct. 31.
