COLUMBIA, S.C. – Freshman Cody Boerema scored a stunning free kick to lift the Grace College men’s soccer team to a 1-0 win at Columbia International on Tuesday.

Boerema has now scored two goals in his first two collegiate matches, helping lift Grace to a 2-0 start to the 2016 season.

The match was a defensive battle as the sides combined for just 10 shots overall. The Lancers were attributed one shot before halftime, and the game remained scoreless through halftime.

CIU had some of its most dangerous opportunities in the first half, particularly off set pieces. All seven of the Rams’ corner kicks were in the first half.

“We started the game with good possession and good positioning, but about 15 minutes into the match it looked like we had run out of gas. The game time temperature of 94 degrees played a factor, but we will have to do a better job of overcoming that in the future,” said Grace head coach Matt Hotchkin. “Our guys played together in the second half, and we played to our strengths and got more opportunities.”

In the second half, Grace found its breakthrough moment. After earning a few free kicks, Grace made CIU pay. 

Boerema lined up a deep free kick in the 56th minute and beat the Rams’ goalkeeper for his game-winning moment.

Grace’s defense took care of the rest, earning the team’s first shutout of the young season.

“CIU has a good and athletic team, and they are well-coached,” Hotchkin continued. “We are struggling to get our offense in synch, but we are finding ways to win which is important. Hopefully we can keep adding ideas to make us a more complete team. There is a lot of work to do.”

Robbie Barnhill improved to 2-0 as Grace’s goalkeeper, making two saves in 90 minutes. He was protected well by the backline of Jon Sands, Josiah Osborn, Brayton Taylor and Jon Christensen, among others.

Boerema and Daniel Smith led Grace with two shots apiece. Breno Oliveira had the team’s other shot attempt in the match.

The Lancers will return to Indiana for their home opener on Aug. 27 against Ohio Christian.