Rams Struggle to Find Offense in Loss to Columbia
Photo courtesy of Bluefield University’s Athletic Communications Department.
Bluefield University’s men’s soccer team struggled to generate scoring opportunities, Friday, October 16, falling 4-0 to Columbia College at East River Soccer Complex.
Columbia dominated the contest offensively, finishing with 27 shots, including 15 on goal. Bluefield managed three shots, including one on goal, as the Rams were unable to break through against the visiting defense.
The Rams kept the match close during the opening stages, but Columbia broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. Carlos Vazquez scored off an assist from Matthias Dennis to give the Koalas a 1-0 advantage.
Bluefield goalkeeper Canaan Newman helped prevent the deficit from growing before halftime, making several saves as Columbia continued to attack. Newman finished the match with nine saves, keeping the Rams within striking distance despite the visitors’ offensive push.
The second half proved more difficult for the Rams. Columbia doubled its lead in the 47th minute when Vazquez scored his second goal of the afternoon, this time assisted by Santiago Caridad. Just more than two minutes later, Finne De Witte found the net to put the Koalas ahead 3-0.
Bluefield attempted to respond, but opportunities remained limited against Columbia’s defense. The Rams earned four corner kicks, all four in the second half, but could not turn those chances into a goal.
Columbia added its fourth and final goal in the 82nd minute when Dexter Singh scored to complete the away team’s offensive performance.
Despite the scoreline, Newman’s work in goal stood out for the Rams. His nine saves came against a Columbia attack that repeatedly tested the Bluefield defense throughout the 90 minutes.
The Rams’ three shots came from Diego Valenzuela and substitute Sebastian Armijos, who recorded two attempts, including the Rams’ only shot on goal. However, Columbia goalkeeper Noah Clarkson-Hall made the necessary save to preserve the shutout.
The loss dropped Bluefield to 2-9-1 overall and 0-7 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play. Columbia improved to 4-7 overall and 2-5 in conference action.
Box Score: Men’s Soccer vs Columbia on 10/16/2026 – Box Score – Bluefield University Athletics