LEBANON, Tenn. – The Phoenix defeat Oakland City 2-1 after late game heroics from the Phoenix attackers.

The Phoenix looked to get a strong start against a tough Oakland City defense, and they were able to maintain possession throughout most of the first half.

Cumberland's midfield pressure forced the Mighty Oaks into bad passes and those turnovers led to a plethora of chances for the Phoenix to get on the board.

Oakland City's best chance of the half would come in the 19th minute off of a corner kick which led to their first shot of the game, but the shot went above the crossbar for a goal kick.

At the end of the half, Pau Ortega brought upon the best chance for Cumberland, where he earned a free kick just mere inches behind the penalty box, and his kick hit off of the near post. 

Then, right before the half, the Phoenix had a corner kick and it led to two shots by Alejandro Vega, but those shots were blocked right before the net.

At the end of the half, the back of the net would not move and the Phoenix and Mighty Oaks would remain tied 0-0. Cumberland would have nine shots in the half, with one shot on goal.

Coming out of the locker rooms, both teams had an increased sense of urgency, and Phillip Schmidtke would be the catalyst as he found the back of the net on a through ball by Miguel Gelabert to open the scoring in the 50th minute. With that goal, Schmidtke is now leading the nation in points scored this season with 19 points. 

However, Oakland City would find the equalizer off of a free kick just outside of the penalty box to make it 1-1 in the 67th minute.

Only five minutes after the equalizer, Mark Donaldson was able to find Wesley Mendoza behind the defense, and Mendoza was able to get a header past the Mighty Oaks defense and into the goal to get his first goal as a Phoenix, and break the tie to make it 2-1 Cumberland. 

For the last 18 minutes of this match, the Phoenix were able to get multiple opportunities at the net, but weren't able to capitalize on them as they went above the goal.

However, after a last minute push by the Mighty Oaks that was stamped out, the score would hold and Cumberland would win the match 2-1. They finished with 23 shots, and seven shots on goal. Meanwhile Oakland City would finish with three shots and one shot on goal.

Cumberland will finish their homestand on Tuesday, September 16th, as they host RV St. Thomas at 11 AM.