Columbia, Mo. - The 2009 Columbia Cougar soccer team made history today by being the first ever Cougar soccer squad to win an NAIA National Tournament game. The Cougars defeated Midland Lutheran (Neb.) College 3-0 in the 2009 NAIA Men's Soccer National Tournament Opening Round. The victory improves Columbia's record to 16-4-1. The loss ends Midland Lutheran's season at 10-9-1.
The Cougars have appeared at the national playoff once before, back in 2003, where they fell in the first round to the University of Mobile (Ala.) 3-2 in overtime. This was the first year the Warriors from Midland Lutheran have ever qualified for the tournament.

In today's action Columbia's offense dominated the game, notching 31 shots to the Warriors' eight. The first half went by scoreless with Midland Lutheran's keeper posting six saves and keeping them in the game.

Columbia's Dylan Barduzzi broke the silence in the second half when he scored in the 59th minute on an unassisted goal. The Cougars continued to pound away after the first goal, notching their second and third in the next 13 minutes. Jordan Cox, assisted by Yudai Yamaguchi and Milos Milosavljevic, scored in the 62nd minute to put Columbia up 2-0. Tim Telvin posted Columbia's final goal in the 72nd minute off an assist from Yamaguchi.

Ken Searles took the win in goal for the Cougars, posting three saves in 84 minutes of action. Alex Rangel relieved Searles for the final six minutes and shared the shutout.

The Cougars will be on their way to Fresno, Calif. for the rest of the tournament. Columbia will take on the University of Rio Grande (Ohio) on Monday, November 30th at 4:30 p.m. Columbia is ranked No. 14 in the tournament, while the Red Storm are ranked No. 3. Rio Grande advanced to Fresno after defeating Lindenwood (Mo.) University 3-0 today. The Red Storm are 16-3-2 on the season.