BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – The Bluefield University men's soccer team's late push came up short in a 4-2 loss to Columbia International in an Appalachian Athletic Conference match at the East River Soccer Complex Saturday afternoon.

After CIU (3-2-1, 2-1-1 AAC) netted the opening goal, BU (1-6, 0-5 AAC) answered in the 26th minute. Freshman midfielder Anthony Alvarado played a ball ahead to junior forward Juan Soto, who found freshman forward Adan Chavez for the first-half equalizer.

The Rams held strong until a pair of late goals gave Columbia International a 3-1 advantage at halftime.

CIU extended its lead early in the second half, but Bluefield struck again in the 61st minute. After missing just wide in the 60th, Alvarado connected with freshman forward Abdiel Donato to set up Chavez's second goal of the day, marking his second multi-goal game this fall. Alvarado's two-assist outing also moved him into the team lead with three on the season.

Bluefield generated two more shots in the closing minutes but could not break through again, as CIU secured the win.

The Rams return to action September 24 on the road at Milligan, with kickoff scheduled for 5:00 p.m.