LEBANON, Tenn. – Cumberland University men's soccer erased a halftime deficit with three second-half goals, including two in the final 25 minutes, to defeat Tennessee Wesleyan University, 3-2, Saturday afternoon at Lindsey Donnell Stadium.
Tennessee Wesleyan struck first in the 30th minute when Francesco Conti finished a pass from Youssef El Hilaa to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 advantage. Cumberland generated several opportunities throughout the opening half, outshooting Tennessee Wesleyan, 8-5, but Kasper Úlfarsson made four saves to keep the Phoenix off the scoreboard.
Cumberland wasted little time responding after halftime.
Wesley Mendoza leveled the match in the 50th minute, scoring his first goal of the season to make it 1-1.
The Phoenix then took control despite being reduced to 10 players after Kacper Wolicki received a red card in the 65th minute. Just 46 seconds later, Mark Donaldson put Cumberland ahead, finishing a Luis Cerejo assist for his first goal of the season.
Cumberland extended its lead in the 85th minute when David Barbakadze found the back of the net off an assist from Donaldson, putting the Phoenix ahead 3-1.
Tennessee Wesleyan responded with a penalty-kick goal from Nicko Bellot in the 87th minute, cutting the deficit to one. Bellot had another opportunity shortly afterward, but his shot went wide as Cumberland held on for the 3-2 victory.
Cumberland finished the match with a 15-9 advantage in shots and put seven attempts on frame. Pau Gelabert made three saves in goal for the Phoenix.
The Phoenix return to action next Monday, taking on Truett McConnell at 1 PM in Lebanon.
