Phoenix Advance Past Patriots in Dramatic Penalty Kick Shootout Victory

Box Score LEBANON, Tenn. - - In a match that required more than 110 minutes to decide, Cumberland men's soccer came out on top of a thrilling penalty shootout against the University of the Cumberlands.

After 110 minutes of scoreless soccer, the Phoenix prevailed 7-6 in the shootout to secure the victory following a hard-fought defensive battle.

Cumberland controlled much of the attacking play throughout regulation, finishing with a 21-12 advantage in shots and earning 10 corner kicks compared to five for the Patriots. The Phoenix created several opportunities to find the breakthrough, including a shot from Mark Donaldson that struck the post in the opening half.

The two sides went into the halftime break level at 0-0, with both goalkeepers making important contributions. Cumberland's Pau Gelabert and Cumberlands' Zachary Dean each kept the opposition off the scoreboard.

The match took a significant turn in the 56th minute when Cumberlands was reduced to 10 men following a red card to Anthony Carriel Jaramillo. The Phoenix looked to take advantage of the extra player, applying pressure and generating multiple opportunities, but Dean and the Patriots' defense continued to hold firm.

Gelabert also came up with several important saves to keep the match level, finishing with five saves and a clean sheet across 110 minutes of action.

Neither side could find a decisive goal during the two overtime periods, sending the contest to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.

The shootout proved just as dramatic as the match itself. Cumberland's Adrian Jogerst and Cumberlands' Vinicius Serafim both missed their opening attempts before Wesley Mendoza converted for the Phoenix. The teams continued trading successful attempts, with Jostin Angel, Harold Perea, Juan Juarez, Kacper Wolicki, Rex Pearce and Oscar Gomez all finding the net for Cumberland.

With the shootout tied heading into the final attempts, Cumberland's Oscar Gomez converted to put the pressure on the Patriots. Cumberlands' Conor McVeigh stepped up with an opportunity to keep his side alive, but his attempt was sent over the bar, sealing a 7-6 shootout victory for the Phoenix.

The Phoenix finished the afternoon with a 10-1-5 overall record, earning a hard-fought victory after 110 minutes of scoreless action. Cumberland will now host the winner of the Lindsey Wilson and Bethel in the MSC Championship Game next Tuesday.

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Players Mentioned

#10 Jostin Angel: MF; 6' 0"; Junior

#8 Mark Donaldson: D; 6' 0"; Senior

#18 Juan Juarez: MF; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#24 Wesley Mendoza: F; 5' 7"; Senior

#5 Harold Perea: MF; 5' 9"; Junior

#4 Kacper Wolicki: D; 6' 2"; Junior

#20 Oscar Gomez: MF; 5' 9"; Junior

#11 Rex Pearce: F; 6' 0"; Senior

#1 Pau Gelabert: GK; 5' 8"; Junior

#17 Adrian Jogerst: MF; 5' 11"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#10 Jostin Angel
: 6' 0"; Junior
: MF

#8 Mark Donaldson
: 6' 0"; Senior
: D

#18 Juan Juarez
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: MF

#24 Wesley Mendoza
: 5' 7"; Senior
: F

#5 Harold Perea
: 5' 9"; Junior
: MF

#4 Kacper Wolicki
: 6' 2"; Junior
: D

#20 Oscar Gomez
: 5' 9"; Junior
: MF

#11 Rex Pearce
: 6' 0"; Senior
: F

#1 Pau Gelabert
: 5' 8"; Junior
: GK

#17 Adrian Jogerst
: 5' 11"; Senior
: MF