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PrintCOLUMBIA — The Columbia College men's soccer team became the first Cougars soccer squad to win an NAIA National Tournament game when they defeated Midland Lutheran (Neb.) College 3-0 on Saturday in the opening round of the 2009 NAIA tournament.
The Cougars appeared in the national playoffs in 2003, but lost 3-2 in overtime to the University of Mobile (Ala.) in the first round. This was the first year Midland Lutheran (10-9-1) qualified for the tournament.
Columbia College’s offense dominated the game Saturday, notching 31 shots to the Warriors’ eight. The first half went by scoreless with Midland Lutheran’s keeper posting six saves.
Dylan Barduzzi broke the silence in the second half with an unassisted goal in the 59th minute. The Cougars (16-4-1) continued the pressure and scored their second and third goals in the next 13 minutes. Jordan Cox, assisted by Yudai Yamaguchi and Milos Milosavljevic, scored in the 62nd minute. Tim Telvin posted Columbia’s final goal in the 72nd minute off an assist from Yamaguchi.
Ken Searles made three saves in goal for the Cougars. Alex Rangel relieved Searles for the final six minutes and shared the shutout.
The Cougars's next tournament game will be against Rio Grande (Ohio) at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 30 in Fresno, Calif. Columbia College is ranked No. 14 in the tournament, while the Red Storm are ranked No. 3. Rio Grande advanced by defeating Lindenwood (Mo.) University. The Red Storm are 16-3-2.
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