Lebanon, Tenn. - - In a match that had large implications for post season action, the Cumberland women's soccer team hosted the University of the Cumberlands Patriots in a battle of top 15 ranked teams. Neither team conceded from open play, but the Patriots sealed their victory with a penalty late in the second half.

Being forced to play in their own half, the Phoenix had to weather the attack of the often fruitful Cumberlands forwards. It was the Patriots constant pressure that allowed them the first shot on goal of the match, though it would be called offsides.

After winning a freekick in front of the 18-yard box, the Patriots played a clever ball towards the face of the goal which was narrowly called offsides. Outside of the single action in the early part of the game, both sides played keep away from the other with little statistical action.

With just under twelve minutes left to play in the first half the Phoenix recorded the first shot of the game and had several major chances come with it. Brenna Swiger took the first shot, seeing her effort saved at the near post; just after that however Miku Kayama had a brilliant shot fly just inches over the crossbar.

Cumberland began to grow more confident on their home turf and in the final ten minutes momentum began to push further in the way of the Phoenix. Gabby Jones pressured the Patriots back line and nearly had the Phoenix's first goal, though Georgia Martell met the ball footsteps before her.

Neither team found an opening goal before the first period ended, as the game sat in a 0-0 deadlock.

The same defensive style that fans saw in the first half found its way into the second, as both teams only recorded a single shot on goal through the opening twenty minutes. In heartbreaking fashion though, the Patriots finally wore down the Phoenix defense and found the opening goal.

Grace Morris and company held strong for more than seventy minutes, but in the 75th the University of the Cumberlands won a penalty kick from the Phoenix defense. Slotting it away, Carola Fontan put the Patriots ahead with their third shot on goal in the game.

From that point Cumberlands made several defensive subs and though the Phoenix fought hard, it was too little too late. Through 90 minutes of action the Phoenix recorded more shots, including more on goal than their counterparts, however they were shut out for the first time this season.

Cumberland will have one more game this regular season, as they will travel to play against the (RV) Bethel Wildcats. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 PM next Tuesday, on Halloween night.