MADISON, Georgia — Truett McConnell defeated Columbia (SC) 1-0 on Friday, securing victory through a single goal in the opening half. Carlos Ruiz broke the deadlock in the 40th minute, assisted by Roman Reynolds, to lift the hosts past the visiting Lions.
Columbia (SC) controlled early possession, with Noah Poungthana delivering corner kicks in the opening minutes. Matthias Dennis fired wide right in the second minute, while Natneal Micheal sent another attempt wide in the 10th minute. Truett McConnell responded with pressure of its own, as Willy Wustrich and James Aspinall tested Columbia's defense with blocked shots.
The breakthrough came late in the first half when Ruiz capitalized on Reynolds' setup to give Truett McConnell the lead. Nathan Huff made a crucial save on Jovica Lazarevic's shot in the 17th minute to keep the deficit manageable for Columbia (SC).
Columbia (SC) emerged determined after halftime, earning a penalty kick in the 51st minute. Dennis stepped up but Euan Brindley denied the attempt, preserving Truett McConnell's advantage. The Lions continued pressing with multiple corner kicks and shots, but Brindley remained composed in net.
Truett McConnell generated consistent offensive chances throughout the second half. Josep Moral fired high in the 64th minute, while Nico Rudolph's header was blocked in the 67th minute. Columbia (SC) countered with efforts from Gabriel Hugo-Guadag