Koalas even conference record at 2-2 with road win over Lions

The Columbia College Koalas evened their conference record at 2-2 with a precious 1-0 victory on the road at the Bryan College Lions on Saturday afternoon in Dayton, TN.

The Koalas found the early going tough against the Lions, struggling to create many chances as Bryan played well defensively.  Columbia managed to put the ball in the back of the net midway through the first half, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The first half ended light on chances with only 8 shots between the two teams, which the Koalas led 5-3.

The second half was a more exciting affair and the Koalas didn't take long to get their noses in front.  Summer Dockstader's mazy dribble was ended by a Lions defender courtesy of a foul in the penalty area, and Dockstader brushed herself off to dispatch the ensuing penalty kick to make the score 1-0 to Columbia.

Bryan only managed two shots in the second half and one almost brought the equalizer with three minutes left, as a long distance strike was saved by Koala goalkeeper Amorie Kostelak, only for a Bryan attacker to poke in the rebound. After discussion between the referees, the goal was ruled out for offside just like the Columbia one in the first half, and the Koalas managed to see out the rest of the game and pick up the 1-0 shutout.

Jayla Pugh had an outstanding game for Columbia in the defensive third, while Josie Vega and Dockstader both went close with other chances against the Lions.

Columbia returns to action on Wednesday evening when they host the St. Andrews Knights at 7PM at Younts Stadium.