Cumberland University

DES MOINES, Iowa - - Cumberland University rallied from an early deficit and scored twice to defeat reigning national champions, Grand View, 2-1.

The Vikings struck first in the seventh minute when Anthony Ulloa converted a chance assisted by Hayato Yoshitake to give the Vikings an early 1-0 advantage.

The Phoenix responded less than six minutes later as David Barbakadze was brought down in the box. Luis Cerejo converted his first penalty kick of the season to level the match at 1-1, and the score remained tied heading into halftime.

Cumberland broke the deadlock in the second half when Wesley Mendoza sliced through the middle of the field and wrapped his foot around a shot that found the back of the net in the 65th minute, giving the Phoenix their first lead of the night at 2-1.

Grand View continued to pressure for an equalizer, but Cumberland's defense held firm over the final 25 minutes. Goalkeeper Pau Gelabert recorded a clean second half, while the Phoenix limited the Vikings to just two shots after halftime.

Cumberland finished with six shots on goal and earned four corner kicks, while Grand View managed four total shots and one shot on goal.

With the win, Cumberland improves to 4-0-0 on the season, while Grand View falls to 0-2-1. Cumberland returns to action on Monday against William Penn University.