Determination lifts Columbia College soccer

Strange things always seem to happen around Halloween. Friday's game between No.1 5 Columbia College and No. 23 Mid-Continent College (Ky.) was no exception. The game was littered with yellow cards and included a scoreboard which shut off in the second half.

Columbia College improved its season record to 14-3-1 beating Mid-Continent College 4-2 despite going down one goal early in the game.

"They (Columbia College) were out-skilled the whole game," Klein said. "But they were determined to win the game."

A total of eight yellow cards were given out at Owens Soccer Stadium, including the ejection of Mid-Continent defender Martin Antivero in the 21st minute after his second card.

Klein said the physical play in the game was due to the style of Mid-Continent.

"I think they expect to get cards," Klein said. "I don't think they were surprised they were playing with a man down."

Columbia College junior Matt Mueller said he expects the same, if not more physicality in the playoffs.

"That's how college soccer is," Mueller said. "It's rough and tumble. There'll be even more tumble in the playoffs coming up."

The Cougars will have to wait until at least Tuesday to know who they will face in the Region V playoffs.

Friday's game also marked the last regular season game for the six seniors on the team. Senior Juan Pablo Irrera said he has mixed feelings of gratitude and sadness.

"I'm really sad because I'm going to be leaving the team," Irrera said. "The coach really gave me the best chance of my life to show people who I really am. So, I'm really thankful for that."