CLEVELAND, Ga. — Ive Celic scored late in the second half, but CIU's comeback bid fell short in a 2-1 loss to Truett McConnell on Tuesday in the Appalachian Athletic Conference men's soccer quarterfinals.
The loss concluded the Rams' season at 6-8-5 overall after a 4-4-4 finish in conference play.
The teams entered halftime scoreless after each recorded three shots. Andreas Kosta tested the Truett McConnell goalkeeper in the 12th minute, while Elias Jonsson and Josh Bell also had first-half attempts. CIU held the Bears without a shot on goal through the opening 45 minutes despite facing six corner kicks.
The Rams created opportunities early in the second half, earning three corners before the 58th minute. Celic put a shot on target in the 55th minute, but the attempt was saved.
Truett McConnell broke through at the 69:03 mark to take a 1-0 lead. Julian Rodriguez answered with a shot on goal less than a minute later, but the Bears made the save to preserve their advantage.
The hosts extended their lead in the 77th minute before Celic responded at 78:20, cutting CIU's deficit to 2-1. The Rams continued searching for the equalizer, putting another attempt on target shortly afterward and earning two more corner kicks down the stretch, but could not draw level.
Celic led CIU with two shots, both on goal, while goalkeeper Vasilios Diakomihalis finished with two saves.
Truett McConnell held an 8-7 advantage in shots and an 8-5 edge in corner kicks. The Rams put five shots on goal to the Bears' four.
