BRONX, N.Y. – The Columbia men’s soccer team captured its fifth straight victory Sunday evening, toppling Fordham at Jack Coffey Field, 2-0. Sophomore Antonio Matarazzo and first-year Andrew Tinari picked up the goals for Columbia in the second half against the Rams.

The Lions current five-match win streak is the longest such streak since the 1995 campaign when they won the final five games of that season.

Statistically, the opening 45 minutes of Sunday’s game were played evenly, with Fordham holding a slight edge in shots, 6-5, but saves and corner kicks were tied at 2-2. Tinari had the first shot on goal in the ninth minute, but Sean Brailey stopped it for Fordham. Columbia had a pair of chances in the 23rd minute off a Bryce Terrill corner kick, but a shot from David Westlakesailed high and David Najem had his attempt blocked.

Fordham was the aggressor towards the end of the half, as Kyle Jackson made his second save of the half on a Jack Bouchard shot, while Ollie Kelly had his shot blocked by the Columbia defense.

In what has become typical Columbia fashion this season, the Lions excelled in the second half. Matarazzo broke the scoreless tie in the 52nd minute when he placed his third goal of the season in the back of the net on a free kick from 24 yards out. The offensive onslaught continued throughout the half for Columbia with Will Stamatis, Henning Sauerbier, and Terrill placing shots on goal.

Tinari, who already has three assists in his first collegiate season, put the Lions ahead 2-0 in the 82nd minute. The Holbrook, N.Y. native ripped a shot from 22 yards out into the top left corner to seal the win for Columbia. Sauerbier notched his second assist of the season on the score.

Columbia ended the game with a 14-8 shot advantage, while each team ended the game with five corner kick attempts. Jackson needed only the two saves in the opening half to record his second shutout of the season.

The Lions return to action on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Columbia Soccer Stadium when they begin Ivy League play with a visit from Brown. Kick-off is slated for 4 p.m.

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