PHILADELPHIA — Penn scored twice in the final two minutes of the first half, which accounted for the only two scores of the night, as the Columbia men's soccer team fell to the nationally-ranked Quakers, 2-0, Saturday at Penn Park.
 
Penn's first goal was started by a free kick taken almost inside the Quakers' own penalty area. The ball was headed on and into the corner for Ben Stitz, who sent a cross to the near post that met the head of Stas Korzeniowski. There was nothing Michael Collodi could do about the header, which found the back of the net to give the home team the lead.
 
Thirty-six seconds later, Penn struck on the counter to double its lead. It started with a free kick that Columbia sent into the Penn penalty area that was headed out strongly. The Quakers gained control in their own half and found Charlie Gaffney all alone on the other side of the field. Gaffney took the ball into the right side of the area and chipped it just over the outstretched hand of Collodi. The pass fell to Brandon Curran right in front, who volleyed it into an empty net.
 
"I think there were moments in the first half where they had more of the ball but I think we were able to get them into places that weren't very dangerous," Columbia head coach Kevin Anderson said. "I think Michael [Collodi] had to come up with one big save in the first 43 minutes. Unfortunately, you saw the final two minutes of the half -- you play against good teams and they make those moments count."
 
Columbia kept fighting and ended the night with just as many shots as Penn (11-2-2, 5-1-0 Ivy). The Lions left themselves vulnerable in the second half without allowing another Penn goal. Collodi was credited with two saves by the time the final whistle sounded.
 
"I thought the second half was a little bit different," Anderson added. "We got a little more exposed because we were chasing the game, but just weren't able to capitalize on the chances we created."
 
Columbia (1-7-6, 0-2-4 Ivy) will get one last crack to play spoiler next Saturday, visiting No. 15 Cornell (12-3-1, 4-1-1 Ivy) in Ithaca. First kick is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.
 
"Just like tonight, it's two teams that are doing really well in our region, our conference and in the nation. Those are the games that you want to play in and be a part of. There were some big moments in this game tonight where we created some opportunities, so I hope we can carry that into the weekend. Cornell will have a lot on the line and we're going to prepare like we have all season to put together a performance that shows our effort. Hopefully, we can add some more quality to that effort."

For the latest on Columbia men's soccer, be sure to follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@CULionsMSOC), on Facebook (ColumbiaMensSoccer), or by visiting GoColumbiaLions.com.