Marietta, GA – Men's soccer dropped their season opener to Life University on Tuesday in a 2-0 night game. In their first Mid-South loss of the year, the Patriots fall to a 4-4-1 overall record.
 
Patriots took a 1-0 deficit into halftime, falling victim to an early penalty kick in the sixth minute. This was the first penalty kick keeper Akililu Zambataro faced this season. Life's attacker placed the ball just below the gloves of Zambataro to the right.
 
Joel Drewery had the best look for the equalizer part-way through the second half. Having beat two defenders on the run, the junior laced the ball toward the left side of the frame. The keeper was able to get his hand on to push the ball barely off course, forcing the missed opportunity.
 
Patriots made several offensive runs at the goal, tallying 12 shots with six on goal. Marvin van der Made, senior out of the Netherlands, led the Patriots offensive charge with four shots made, two on target. Rookie Luis Jara also tallied two shots on goal.
 
In the 79th minute, the Patriots defense commits another foul in the box to force another penalty kick opportunity. After the goal made by Life, the Running Eagles took the 2-0 lead late in the game.
 
Despite allowing two goals on the night on penalty kicks, the Patriots defense proved rather successful after keeping the Running Eagles to eight shots total, four of which on goal. Zambataro collected two saves in the game.
 
Cumberlands will host the Tigers of Georgetown next week in a soccer doubleheader at the UC Soccer Complex. The men will follow the women's game on October 9 with a 7:30 PM approximate start time.
 
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