Bowling Green, KY – Men's soccer endured a 1-0 battle to redeem themselves in the Mid-South Conference Tournament on Saturday night, defeating the Cumberland University Phoenix on neutral ground.
 
The Patriots took a loss to Cumberland in the regular season, falling 3-1 on the road. This time, the offense fought back to avenge the loss while the defense notched another clean sheet on the season.
 
Second team All-MSC member Luis Jara Encina notched the solo goal in the contest. After a quick turn in the box, the rookie drove home a powerful shot at the keeper, who was unable to corral the shot resulting in a goal as it slipped behind.
 
Jara notched his seventh goal of the season in the contest. The golden opportunity also chalked up as his third collegiate game-winner.
 
Joel Drewery picked up the assist on the goal; the junior leads the Patriots with nine on the year.
 
Leading the defense in the shutout, Akililu Zambataro charted his eighth shutout of the season. Over the course of action, the rookie keeper collected four saves on six shots faced. The defensive company also protected against four opposing corner kicks in the contest.
 
The first half was a stalemate on Jim Ross Field between the two teams, continually fighting for an edge over the other. Both teams combined for less than 10 shots taken, including one shot on goal apiece. It was not until the second half that the Patriot avenged their previous loss to their opponents.
 
Marvin van der Made, Alejandro Gonzalez and Drewery led the Patriots in the contest with two shots apiece. Seven Patriots peppered the goal 10 times on the night.
 
Zambataro continued his trek as the winningest rookie keeper since 2006, picking up his ninth of the season with Saturday's win. He also tied for the most shutouts in a year with the Patriots' keeper in 2015.
 
Coach Chris LeFevre also sees another win on his resume, adding onto his most winning season since joining the Cumberlands staff. With 10 on the year, his squad is one win away from tying the program's 2015 figure.
 
Standing next in the path to the MSC finals is nationally ranked Lindsey Wilson. The semifinal match against the Blue Raiders is scheduled for Sunday night at 5 PM central at Jim Ross Field in Bowling Green, KY.
 
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