Lebanon, TN – The University of the Cumberlands Women's Soccer Team couldn't overcome an early deficit as they fell to 23
rd-ranked Cumberland 4-0, in their Mid-South Conference opener Tuesday afternoon at the CU Soccer Field. With the win the Phoenix improve to 4-3-1 overall and 1-0 in the MSC, while UC falls to 4-5 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
The Patriots were forced into a defensive stance early as Emily Shires headed a Rebecca Holloway cross just inside the far posted to give Cumberland a 1-0 lead three minutes into the first half. The Phoenix extended their lead to 2-0 three minutes later as Holloway connected with Marissa Avnaim for a goal.
Christie Funk made two saves in a five minute span to keep the score 2-0 with midway through the first half. The Patriots outshot the Phoenix 5-1 over the final 25 minutes of the half, but were unable to connect as the score remained 2-0 at the break.
The two teams traded shots on goal to begin the second half but both were saved. Cumberlands looked to take advantage of a Phoenix foul in the 58' minute as
Sara Randez fired a shot to the near post, but Ashley Kambeitz made a diving save to keep the score 2-0. Three minutes later Cumberland's Mariah Aplin found Shires down the left side for a goal to extend their lead to 3-0. The score remained that way until the 76' minute when Sarah Haddock headed a Savannah Moreland corner kick into the back of the net to make it 4-0. UC looked to rally as
Emily Willoughby put a shot on frame, but a save by Kambeitz led to the 4-0 final.
Funk finished with seven saves, including four in the second half. It marks the fifth time this season that Funk has made at least six saves in a game.
The Patriots will return to action Friday, September 29, when they host sixth-ranked William Carey at the UC Soccer Complex. The game is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. and live video is available
here, while live stats are available
here.
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