Creighton University
Columbia
Trio Of Goals Lifts Men's Soccer Past Columbia, 3-1
9/9/2019 3:18:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Nico Engelking scored during the opening minute; Luke Haakenson and Charles Auguste add goals in second half
OMAHA, Neb. – An early goal from junior Nico Engelking helped propel the Creighton men's soccer team to a 3-1 victory over Columbia on Monday afternoon at Morrison Stadium.
With the win, Creighton moved to 2-1-1 on the season, while Columbia fell to 0-1-1 overall.
The Bluejays got on the scoreboard just 46 seconds into the match as Engelking headed the ball into the back of the net on a failed clear off a Bluejay corner kick to give Creighton a 1-0 lead and Engelking his first goal as a Bluejay.
Creighton extended its lead in the 68th minute as Luke Haakenson struck the back of the net off the rebound of Daniel Espeleta's shot that was blocked from just inside the top of the box to give the Bluejays a 2-0 lead.
Columbia cut the Bluejays' lead in half during the 77th minute with the Lions' Sebastian Gunbeyi heading a cross from Blake Willis into the back of the net beating Creighton goalkeeper Paul Kruse to make the score 2-1.
Creighton struck the back of the net in the 83rd minute as the Bluejays earned a corner kick. Yudai Tashiro sent the ball across the box to the head of sophomore Charles Auguste who bested the Columbia goalkeeper Eric Chang and gave Creighton the final edge of 3-1.
The Bluejays held an 8-1 advantage in shots after the first 45 minutes, but Columbia posted a 10-7 edge during the second half, forcing Creighton to make four second-half saves, including one recorded by the team after defender Connor Ramlo cleared the ball from just in front of the goal after it slipped past Kruse. Collin Valdivia also recorded one save in goal after replacing Kruse during the 81st minute.
Creighton will return to the pitch on Friday when the Bluejays host UC Irvine at Morrison Stadium. Kickoff between the Bluejays and Anteaters is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
