(FULTON, Mo., Oct. 19)--The William Woods University men's soccer team lost to visiting Columbia College Tuesday night on Firley Field. The Cougars defeated the Owls 2-1 in the American Midwest Conference match.

The Owls and Cougars battled to a 1-1 tie after the first 45 minutes of play. William Woods scored in the 4th minute on a goal from junior Marcelo Carreiro (Curitiba, Brazil). Carreiro maneuvered around two Cougar defensive players and fired a shot inside the far post to give WWU an early 1-0 advantage.

Columbia answered in the 19 minute on a goal from Dylan Barduzzi to tie the match.

The speed and tempo of the match was off the chart. Both teams had multiple opportunities on counters to take the lead in the second half. The second half consisted of shots off the crossbar and post, and shots just missing wide. The Owls also survived two missed penalty kicks from Columbia.

Columbia eventually scored the game-winning goal in the 71st minute. Edgar Reyna scored on a rebound off the post to give the Cougars the 2-1 lead.

William Woods did not go down without a fight. In the closing minutes, WWU pushed numbers forward and continued to attack the CC goal. Their efforts came up short and the Owls walked away with a hard-fought loss.

Columbia recorded 32 shots on the night. The Cougars put 16 shots on goal. William Woods finished the evening with 10 shots. The Owls placed five shots on goal.

Senior Cory Herchenroeder (St. Louis, Mo.) had 13 saves in goal for the Owls.

CC improves to 8-4-1 on the season and 4-1 in the AMC. WWU falls to 8-6-1 on the year and 2-4 in league play.

The Owls will return to action on October 23. They host Central Christian College at 2 pm on Firley Field. Saturday is Senior Day at William Woods.