COLUMBUS, Ind. – The IU Columbus men's soccer team started its 2025 campaign on the right foot Wednesday night, powering past Calumet College of St. Joseph in a 4-2 victory at the Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark.

The Crimson Pride (1-0) showcased an explosive offensive performance, outshooting the Crimson Wave 27-6 and keeping steady pressure on goal throughout the match.

IU Columbus struck first in the 7th minute when Kevin Cruz buried his first goal of the season off a precise setup from Chrsitian Cardoso. Calumet leveled the match midway through the first half, and the two teams entered halftime locked at 1-1.

The Crimson Pride wasted little time reclaiming control after the break. Just three minutes into the second half, Alejandro Alvarez found the back of the net to put the Pride up 2-1. His goal was assisted by Anton Bezborodov. Moments later, Cardoso took command, scoring back-to-back goals in the 50th and 63rd minutes—first off a feed from Noah Cordero, then finishing again after a well-placed ball from Michael Ruiz.

Cardoso's brace gave IU Columbus a 4-1 cushion, sealing the outcome despite a late tally from Calumet.

Defensively, the Crimson Pride rotated goalkeepers, with Juan Salcedo, Jacob Kasarda, and Harris Weltz all seeing action. Weltz collected a save in the second half to close out the win.

The final stat sheet reflected IUC's dominance: 27 total shots (18 on goal) compared to Calumet's 6 (3). Cruz, Alvarez, and Cardoso all recorded goals, while four different players contributed assists.

The Crimson Pride return to action this weekend as they travel to Chicago for a pair of Labor Day matches. The weekend schedule is listed below.

Aug. 30
    8:00 PM at University of St. Francis (IL)

Sept. 1
    1:30 PM at Saint Xavier University (IL)