Cougars Upset No. 10 Bethel in NAIA 2nd Round

McKenzie, Tenn. – A goal by Miguel Gonzalez late in the first half held up as the Columbia College men’s soccer team upset No. 10-ranked Bethel University (Tenn.) 1-0 in the NAIA Second Round Saturday in McKenzie, Tenn.

Columbia, who is receiving votes in the NAIA Top-25 Poll, won its fifth-straight game to improve to 13-4-4, while Bethel had its season come to an end with a 13-5-1 overall mark.

The Cougars take on No. 7 Oklahoma Wesleyan in the NAIA Third Round on Tuesday, Nov. 27 in Wichita, Kansas. 

Columbia outshot Bethel 8-4 in the first half, with each team recording a shot on goal. The Wildcats nearly broke the tie in the 13th minute after Gregory Cousins’ shot hit the crossbar.

In the 39th minute after a misplay in the Bethel backline, Sidiki Kromah slotted a pass to Gonzalez who finished in the box to make it 1-0. The goal for Gonzalez was his fourth of the season.

Bethel recorded the first five shots of the second half, but it was the play of the Cougar defense that helped secure the 13th shutout of the season.

Columbia outshot Bethel 14-13 and the Wildcats had an 8-5 advantage in corner kicks.

Alejandro Molto Munoz (10-3-3) stood tall in goal for the Cougars making three saves, including a save on a shot by Pablo Ramirez in the final minute.

NOTES: Columbia and Bethel split the season series – Bethel defeated Columbia 5-2 on Oct. 24 … The Cougars advanced to the Round of 16 for the eighth time in school history … Columbia is 17-11-2 in 13 all-time NAIA National Tournament appearances … The Cougars are 2-2-2 against ranked teams this season, with both wins coming against Top-10 teams.