Cumberland University

LEBANON, Tenn. - - Cumberland University men's soccer opened Mid-South Conference play in impressive fashion Saturday, defeating Bethel University, 3-1, at Lindsey Donnell Stadium.

The Phoenix improved to 5-0-1 overall and 1-0-0 in conference play with the victory, while Bethel fell to 1-3-1 overall and 0-1-0 in the conference.

Cumberland wasted little time finding the back of the net. In the 13th minute, senior forward Wesley Mendoza opened the scoring, converting a chance assisted by defenders Kacper Wolicki and Callum Geoghegan to give the Phoenix an early 1-0 advantage.

The Phoenix doubled their lead in the 40th minute when Luis Cerejo found the back of the net following an assist from Mendoza. Cumberland carried a 2-0 advantage into the closing moments of the first half.

Bethel responded just over a minute later, with Victor Vilaca Andrade Cardoso scoring in the 41st minute to cut the deficit to 2-1 heading into halftime.

Cumberland restored its two-goal advantage in the 71st minute, when Cerejo scored his second goal of the afternoon to complete the scoring and secure the Phoenix victory.

Cerejo led Cumberland with two goals on three shots, including three shots on target. Mendoza added a goal and an assist, while Wolicki and Geoghegan each recorded an assist. Goalkeeper Pau Gelabert made three saves in the victory.

The Phoenix finished the contest with nine shots, six of which were on target, and earned five corner kicks. Cumberland also held Bethel to one corner kick throughout the match.

With the win, Cumberland continues its unbeaten start to the season and earns three important points in its first conference match.

Cumberland returns to action Tuesday to take on RV UT Southern.