Box Score

COLUMBUS, Ind. – The IU Columbus Crimson Pride returned to their home pitch on Saturday afternoon and delivered a thrilling 3-2 victory over IU Northwest, improving to 2-1-0 overall in their young 2025 campaign.

The Crimson Pride wasted little time creating opportunities, out-shooting the RedHawks 11-2 in the first half. Their early pressure paid off in the 16th minute when Anton Bezborodov scored his first goal of the season off a setup from Alejandro Saldivar to put IU Columbus ahead 1-0. IU Northwest quickly responded, leveling the match at 1-1 with a strike from Dom Bixeman in the 21st minute.

Coming out of halftime, IU Columbus struck again. Just three minutes into the second half, Christian Cardoso teed one up on a penalty kick, burying his third goal of the season, and putting his team back in front. The Crimson Pride extended their advantage in the 74th minute when Saulo Luna found the back of the net, finishing a well-timed assist from Bezborodov to make it 3-1.

IU Northwest pulled one back in the closing moments on a goal from Cesar Lopez, but IU Columbus' back line and goalkeeper Jacob Kasarda held firm to secure the 3-2 win. Kasarda made two saves on the afternoon, while IU Columbus' attack peppered the RedHawks with 17 shots, 10 on goal.

Bezborodov, Cardoso, and Luna accounted for the scoring, while Saldivar and Bezborodov added assists in the balanced offensive performance.

The Crimson Pride will look to carry this momentum into next week as they continue non-conference action.

Next Up:
    September 9 vs Trinity Christian College at 7:00 PM (Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark)
    September 13 at Goshen College (Ind.) at 7:00 PM