BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – The Bluefield University men's soccer team fell 2-0 to Columbia International at the East River Complex in an Appalachian Athletic Conference contest.
The Rams (1-2, 0-1 AAC) and CIU (2-1-1, 1-0-0 AAC) played to a scoreless draw through the opening 45 minutes, with both teams looking for an early breakthrough.
Senior goalkeeper Canaan Newman kept the Rams level throughout the opening half, recording two saves as CIU generated three shots. The Rams registered two shots of their own during the first half, but neither found the back of the net.
CIU broke through in the 58', scoring the game's opening goal and taking a 1-0 advantage.
Newman continued to keep Bluefield within striking distance, making three more saves in the second half, including stops in the 58', 59' and 61'.
The Rams created opportunities to get back into the match late. Sophomore forward Levi Crockett forced a save from the CIU goalkeeper in the 73rd minute, while freshman forward Aubrey Meekins Jr. and freshman midfielder Diego Valenzuela each registered shots later in the half.
CIU, however, added an insurance goal in the 75' to extend the lead to 2-0.
Freshman midfielder Leo Bascope nearly put Bluefield on the board in the 86th minute, but his shot was saved by the CIU goalkeeper.
Newman finished the afternoon with five saves, while Bluefield totaled six shots, including two on target. CIU recorded 13 shots and nine corner kicks compared to four for BU.
The Rams return to action Tuesday, traveling to Washington Adventist for a 4:30 p.m. kickoff.
