LEBANON, Tenn. - - No. 6 Cumberland men's soccer will open Mid-South Conference play at home against Bethel this weekend.

The Phoenix go into conference play with a 4-0-1 record and are perfect at home with a 2-0 record, in addition to their outstanding 2-1 victory away at defending champions No.17 Grandview. In their most recent match Cumberland tied 3-3 on the road at No. 4 William Penn (Iowa).

The Phoenix currently have outscored their opponents 19 goals to 8, averaging just shy of four per game. Individually, the men's soccer team has earned two back to back MSC Offensive Player of the Week awards.

David Barbakadze comes into the game with 15 points from 6 goals and 3 assists, winning the first NAIA National Offensive Player of the Week as well. Backing up the Englishman, Wesley Mendoza sits at 9 points from 4 goals and an assist. The pair are supported by Luis Cerejo with 13 points from 4 goals and 5 assists.

Defensively for the Phoenix Pau Gelabert has started all 5 games in goal for the Phoenix, conceding 8 goals with 11 saves, recording a 0.579 save percentage.

The Wildcats come into the contest with a record of 1-2-1, earning them votes to be ranked in the most recent poll. Having their last scheduled game against UT Southern cancelled, the Wildcats will arrive in Lebanon with an extended break looking for their second win of the season. 

BU has had a slower start to the season compared to the Phoenix, scoring just 2 goals and conceding 8, averaging 0.50 goals scored per game.

On offense the Wildcats are led by Leo Cruz and Denzil Watson, each coming into the match with a single goal scored.

In between the sticks the Wildcats have fielded all three goalkeepers on the roster. Samuel Moreno started 2 games and conceded 4 goals with 3 saves, while Mauricio Gonzalez De Leon and Dusan Vasiljevic both shared a half each against Olivet Nazarene. Vasiljevic conceded 4 goals with 4 saves and Gonzalez has yet to concede with 11 saves.

Bethel currently has the lead historically in this tie, with the last matchup falling the way of the Wildcats, beating the Phoenix 2-0 in the MSC Championship Game last season. 

Kickoff is set for 1:30 PM at Lindsey Donnell Stadium and will be streamed live on the Cumberland Sports Network.