Columbia Secures Late Victory Over Temple with McDaid's Goal

Temple spent most of the first half on the front foot, zipping the ball around with purpose and pinning Columbia back for long stretches. Shots came from different angles and distances, but every time the Owls thought they had found a way through, Aris Taki stood in the way.

The Columbia goalkeeper read the game sharply, smothering low drives and tipping away efforts that threatened the corners. His composure under pressure kept the Lions level while Temple dictated the tempo.

Columbia were not passengers. The Lions carved out dangerous openings of their own early on, only to find Dylan Kaye in equally stubborn form. The Temple keeper matched Taki save for save, turning aside each clear look Columbia managed to create. Neither side could land the decisive blow, and the game reached halftime still locked at 0-0.

Second Half

After the break, the balance shifted. Columbia began to put a foot on the ball more consistently, slowing Temple’s rhythm and building longer spells of possession. The Lions pushed higher, probing for gaps, while the Owls’ earlier fluency started to fade.

The pressure finally told with the clock winding down.

With just two minutes left in regulation, the ball fell to Jack McDaid on the right. One clean swing of his boot settled it. McDaid drove his shot into the net, breaking the deadlock and delivering a 1-0 lead that Columbia would not surrender.

Temple, who had carried so much of the attacking threat in the first half, had no time to answer. The final whistle confirmed it: a late, ruthless finish from McDaid, a standout display from Taki, and a hard-earned 1-0 victory for the Lions over the Owls.