Cumberland University

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. - -  No. 1 Cumberland University men's soccer remains unbeaten on the season after battling to a 1-1 draw against the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) on Thursday night at the UC Soccer Complex.

The Phoenix move to 9-0-4 overall and 3-0-2 in Mid-South Conference play, while the Patriots move to 6-4-2 overall and 2-1-1 in conference action.

Cumberlands came out aggressive in the first half, putting pressure on the Phoenix defense early. The Patriots recorded their first shot on goal in the 11th minute, but Cumberland goalkeeper Pau Gelabert came up with the save to keep the match scoreless.

The Patriots continued to apply pressure, forcing Gelabert to make another save in the 19th minute. Cumberland responded with an opportunity of its own in the 27th minute as Rodrigo Lasso put a header on goal, but Cumberlands goalkeeper Zachary Dean made the save.

Just over a minute later, the Patriots broke through in the 28th minute as Vinicius Serafim found the back of the net off an assist from Dunsting Cohen Jr. to give Cumberlands a 1-0 lead.

The Phoenix looked to answer before halftime, earning a corner kick in the 44th minute. David Barbakadze followed with a shot that went wide as Cumberland entered the break trailing 1-0.

Cumberland wasted little time responding in the second half. Just 90 seconds after the break, Wesley Mendoza scored his sixth goal of the season off an assist from Luis Cerejo in the 47th minute to even the match at 1-1.

Following the equalizer, Cumberlands continued to create offensive opportunities, recording 10 shots in the second half. Gelabert came up with a key save in the 63rd minute on a shot from Nico Romero to keep the match tied.

The Patriots continued to pressure the Phoenix defense late in the match. Serafim put another shot on goal in the 77th minute, but Gelabert was there to make the save.

Cumberlands had another opportunity in the 84th minute when Conor McVeigh put a shot on goal, but Gelabert came up with his fifth save of the night to preserve the 1-1 tie.
Neither team was able to find the go-ahead goal in the closing minutes as the Phoenix secured the draw to remain unbeaten.

Cumberlands held a 15-3 advantage in total shots and a 6-2 edge in shots on goal. Gelabert finished the night with five saves for Cumberland, while Mendoza recorded the Phoenix's lone goal and Cerejo added the assist.

The Phoenix will return to Lindsey Donnell Stadium on October 20 to face No. 14 Faulkner University (Ala.). Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. CT.