COLUMBIA, Mo. – Columbia College defeated Fort Lewis College 2-0 in men's soccer action today at R. Marvin Owens Soccer Stadium.

The Cougars, ranked No. 19 in the NAIA, improved to 2-2-0 overall. The Skyhawks, ranked No. 16 in NCAA Division II and the defending national champions, fell to 1-3-0 after a Missouri road trip that also saw them lose 2-1 Friday to Truman St.

“It's the same thing that's happened the last couple of games, we just couldn't finish,” said second year head coach Oige Kennedy, who acknowledged that the team has a big target on its back. “We wouldn't have it any other way.”

Columbia's Yudai Yamaguchi put the Cougars on the board early in the contest. Junior Dylan Barduzzi took advantage of a free kick in the 24th minute, placing it perfectly in front of the goal for Yamaguchi to head the ball into the corner. Skyhawk goalkeeper Ryan Wirth was frozen and turned to look at the ball found the back of the net.

Minutes into the second half, Barduzzi was fouled in the box, setting up a penalty kick. Kamran Khyltash, who replaced Wirth in goal at halftime, dove to his right, while Barduzzi's shot found its way to the back of the net on the left side.

A penalty kick by Kyle Wood midway through the second half hit the post and was cleared away by Columbia's defense.

Ken Searles recorded his second victory and shutout of the season in goal for Columbia. The senior posted three saves.

The Skyhawks outshot Columbia 16-9, but the shots on goal were level at three apiece. Khyltash made one save.

The physical contest saw nine yellow cards issued. Columbia's Josh Hutchison was sent off in the 61st minute after receiving his second yellow card of the match. Even with a one-man advantage for 28:29, the Skyhawks were unable to put a ball past Searles.

Fort Lewis opens both Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play and its home schedule at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19 when it hosts CSU-Pueblo.