Cumberland University

HENDERSON, Tenn. - - Cumberland University men's soccer overcame a second-half equalizer to score twice late and secure a 3-1 victory over Freed-Hardeman Friday night.

Cumberland controlled much of the opening half and finally broke through in the 40th minute. Following a corner kick, Jostin Angel played a loose ball into the box, where Kacper Wolicki got the final touch to put the Phoenix ahead 1-0.

The Phoenix carried the one-goal advantage into halftime after outshooting Freed-Hardeman 10-1 during the opening 45 minutes. Cumberland also earned three corner kicks while limiting the Lions to a single attempt.

Freed-Hardeman responded early in the second half, leveling the match in the 67th minute when Henry Appiah's cross deflected off a Cumberland defender and into the net.
Cumberland answered less than 11 minutes later.

In the 77th minute, David Barbakadze sent a long pass forward to Juan Juarez, who pushed the ball down to the goal line before sliding an attempt past the Freed-Hardeman goalkeeper to restore the Phoenix lead.

Just over three minutes later, Cumberland added an insurance goal. A loose ball pinballed around the box before Luis Cerejo found the back of the net in the 80th minute, giving the Phoenix a 3-1 advantage.

Cerejo finished with a goal on two shots, both of which were on target, while Wolicki also scored on his lone shot of the match. Juarez recorded the game-winning goal, with Barbakadze credited with an assist. Angel also finished with an assist on the opening goal.

Cumberland finished with a 14-8 advantage in shots, putting five attempts on frame. The Phoenix goalkeeper Pau Gelabert made three saves, all coming in the second half, to help preserve the victory.

The win keeps Cumberland unbeaten through its first eight matches and moves the Phoenix to 2-0 in conference play with a matchup against SCAD coming up on Sunday.