Simmons Shines as Pioneers Earn 0-0 Draw with CIU

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Spartanburg Methodist College sophomore Isaiah Simmons stepped up in goal on Wednesday, making eight saves to lead the Pioneers men's soccer team to a 0-0 draw against Columbia International University in Appalachian Athletic Conference play.

The Spartanburg native was instrumental in earning the shutout, turning away chance after chance from the Rams. Simmons was tested early, stopping a fifth-minute shot before a rebound attempt rattled the crossbar. He then secured the first of his eight saves as the SMC defense cleared the danger.

The Pioneers (0-3-1, 0-1-1 AAC) nearly struck first as Joaquin Gillum and Michael Torres each forced saves in the 17th and 20th minutes. In the 42nd, CIU goalkeeper Vasilios Diakomihalis denied a Pioneer penalty kick to keep the match scoreless.

SMC's best chance came in the second half when Joel Cortes weaved through four Rams defenders and fired a shot on frame, only to see it stopped by the keeper. In the closing seconds, Caleb Hall's header was also saved, sealing the draw.

The Pioneers will return to action on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. when they travel to face Montreat College.