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Cumberland University

MSOC vs UC MSC
2
Winner Cumberland (TN) CUMBERLA (11-4-3)
1
Cumberlands (KY) UCUMBERL (7-3-5)
Winner
Cumberland (TN) CUMBERLA
(11-4-3)
2
Final
1
Cumberlands (KY) UCUMBERL
(7-3-5)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Cumberland (TN) CUMBERLA 0 2 2
Cumberlands (KY) UCUMBERL 1 0 1

Next Game:

at Lindsey Wilson College

11/10/2023 | 6:00 PM

Next Game

Full Schedule
Nov. 10 (Fri) / 6:00 PM
at Lindsey Wilson College
History

Game Recap: Men's Soccer |

Azar Gives the Phoenix the Edge in MSC Semifinals Victory over Patriots

Columbia, KY - - With a win over Freed-Hardeman in the Quarter Finals of the MSC Tournament, the Phoenix advanced to the Semis where they matched up with the #2 seeded University of the Cumberlands. After conceding in the first half, CU scored twice in the second and upset the Patriots.

Facing off earlier this season, the battle of the Cumberlands was left to a draw in Lebanon, Tennessee, as both teams got on the scoresheet but lacked the edge to pull away.

This semifinal match-up started like many games do between two talented teams, feeling out each other's formations and tactics. Offense was far from the story of the first half, with both teams battling it out in the midfield.

Cumberland had just two shots at the end of the half, with Thomas Groenhilder putting the fist Phoenix shot on goal in the final minute of the half. The University of the Cumberlands though managed to score from their single shot on goal at the halfway mark, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime.

After the break the Phoenix looked like they had something to prove, applying relentless pressure on the Patriots from the kickoff. Going 45 minutes without a goal, Cumberland forced the issue on the Cumberlands defense and the Patriots made a vital mistake, putting the ball in their own net.

Play continued to shift in the direction of CU, as the No. 2 seed looked increasingly undisciplined after the own goal. Thirteen minutes after the breakthrough, Cumberland found a name reappearing on the box score from their previous matchup.

Having already been the man to level the score with Cumberlands before, John Azar put the Phoenix ahead with his goal this game. Receiving the ball deep in the midfield, Azar went on a solo run down the left side of the field, weaving his way through several Patriots before smashing the ball into the back of the net.

With the lead and all the momentum firmly in hand, the Phoenix's only job was to maintain their pressure and not allow UC a chance. Doing what they have done all season, the defensive pairing of Cathal Coyne and Alejandro Carrillo reigned over their third of the field and only allowed three shots on goal to the highly touted Patriots attack.

Now on their way to the finals, Cumberland will play the winner of No. 1 seed Lindsey Wilson and No. 4 seed Bethel, with kickoff scheduled for 7 PM tonight. The championship game will be played at 6 PM on Friday, November 10th.
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Players Mentioned

John Azar

#9 John Azar

MF
5' 11"
Senior
Cathal Coyne

#6 Cathal Coyne

D
6' 0"
Redshirt Senior
Thomas Groenhilder

#14 Thomas Groenhilder

MF
6' 3"
Junior
Alejandro Carrillo

#2 Alejandro Carrillo

D
6' 1"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

John Azar

#9 John Azar

5' 11"
Senior
MF
Cathal Coyne

#6 Cathal Coyne

6' 0"
Redshirt Senior
D
Thomas Groenhilder

#14 Thomas Groenhilder

6' 3"
Junior
MF
Alejandro Carrillo

#2 Alejandro Carrillo

6' 1"
Freshman
D