Lebanon, Tenn. - - Facing their second ranked opponent of the season, the Phoenix hosted the no. 19 ranked Coyotes of the College of Idaho. After a stalemate of a first half, goals began to pour in during the second, finishing in a 2-2 draw.

Being billed as a matchup between two heavyweights, this game was something to be marveled at from the beginning. Playing out as something of a chess match, both teams took most of the first half to figure out their opponent's style of play.

Outside of Sabrina Graziano, few of the Phoenix saw much action in the first half, leading to a more defensive scoreline at the break, reading 0-0.
The second half though, brought the action that the first half might have lacked. Gabby Jones missed CU's last game and made certain that her presence was known this time around. Opening the scoring, she took advantage of a cross from Ella Tuplin, smashing in a goal in the top left corner.

Countering quickly, the Coyotes put the Phoenix on notice. Kendra Lyons recieved a throw-in and before Cumberland could regroup, she turned with the ball and shot from over twenty yards out, tying the game at 1-1.

Before the Phoenix could gather their breath, the Coyotes were hunting them down again. In quick succession Idaho scored their first goal, and then took the lead. Eden Maakafi was the lucky Coyote to find the ball in the box; as several players were tangled together, she managed to dispatch the ball and grab the lead.

Taking the lead this late in the game, it looked nearly certain that Idaho would manage to take a victory home with them, the Phoenix however, would have other ideas in mind. Evelyn Jimenez was one of several second-half substitutes for Cumberland and ultimately set up the game winning goal. Carrying the ball across the top of the box, she found an opening and shot.
Making a good save initially, the keepers effort hit off the crossbar where Mari Sagstad showed her amazing field awareness and followed up the shot before anyone could react. Sagstad's pivotal goal was the final of the match, and her eighth goal of the year thus far.

With the Phoenix coming back to grab a draw, both teams will breathe a sigh of relief as it is never an easy task to face off against a highly ranked opponent.
Cumberland will be at home again for their next match where they will face off against Milligan University. Kickoff is scheduled for next Wednesday, September 6^th, at 1 PM.