The IU Columbus Men's Soccer team opened their season at Nexus Park with a win over Governors State by the score of 1-0. The game was close throughout as the teams relied on strong defensive play. The teams combined for just seven shots on goal. Maruwe Exauce, a junior from Indianapolis North Central High School, scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half on an assist from Michael Mmadi, a freshman from Bloomington South High School. 

The first half was pretty clean, with only one yellow card on the visitors late in the half. The second half, however, was a different story. Trent Schenk received a yellow card, and then Juan Romero was tagged with a red card at the 69:25 mark. Four minutes later Mason Herbert also was given a red card, forcing the Crimson Pride to finish down two players. Head Coach Kevin Nolan made sure his team focused on defending, and the team was able to hold on for the 1-0 shutout.

Coach Kevin Nolan: "It is always great to get your first win of the year in your first game. The guys played hard the whole game, especially towards the end when we went down 2 men. But the boys saw the win through to the end. We still have a lot to work on and get better at, but I am confident this group will grow stronger as the season progresses."

Next on the schedule: The Crimson Pride go to Indianapolis on Saturday, August 29 to play Marian University