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EVANS, Ga. -- Two early Columbia goals proved too much to overcome as the Bellevue University men's soccer team suffered a 3-1 to Columbia University in the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Tournament at Blanchard Woods Park.
BU wraps up their season with a 16-5-2 record. Columbia improves to 16-2-0 and will meet Oklahoma Wesleyan in the semifinals on Saturday, May 8 at 5 p.m.
Recap:
Columbia found a dream start, scoring twice in the game's first 10 minutes. Goals from Nick Brandt and Nathan Durdle less than five minutes apart gave the Cougars the upper hand early on.
Alex Cuenca pulled Bellevue within a goal, scoring a strike from distance in the 30th minute, off a pass from Zach Robbins.
BU trailed by just a goal at the interval, a more reflective scoreline of the 7-6 margin in favor of shots for Columbia in the first 45 minutes.
The Cougars restored their two-goal lead in the 67th minute off a set piece. After Durdle's initial header was saved, Jackson Schrum followed up with a left footed strike from inside the box.
Columbia out-shot Bellevue 13-7 on the night with each team putting four shots on frame.
Coach Mark Heath-Preston:
"Incredibly disappointed to finish the season with such a fantastic group. We have a short couple of months to rest and reflect and then we are back in."
Notes:
- The 16 wins are the second-most by the team in a season (2005).
- Bellevue's appearance in the NAIA Quarterfinals represents the furthest the Bruins have ever advanced in the National Tournament.
