Columbia, KY – Facing their second ranked opponent of the season, the 18^th-ranked UC women's soccer team utilized balanced offense and a strong defensive effort to defeat #11 Lindsey Wilson 3-1 Tuesday night.  With the win, the Patriots improve to 7-0 on the season and 3-0 in conference play, while the Blue Raiders move to 1-1 overall and in conference play. 

Laura Navajas Marin led the way for UC with a goal and a career-high two assists and four points. Jayden Boelter and Selena Barnett each added a goal in the win, while Shara Randez dished out assist in the game. 

Cumberlands dominated the stat sheet outshooting Lindsey Wilson 32-3, with 13 of those 32 shots being put on frame.  In addition, the Patriots had seven corner kicks to the Blue Raiders one.

The Patriots came out strong right from the opening whistle recording five shots and a corner kick within the first ten minutes of the game.  Ainhoa Camara and Randez both put shots on frame, which were saved, while Amy Anderson fired a shot in the 7' that deflected off the crossbar to keep the game scoreless.  UC continued to dominate the possession over the next ten minutes.  The score remained tied until the 22:59 mark off the first half when Navajas Marin drove into the penalty box and dished a pass off to Boelter for a wide open goal to give UC the 1-0 lead.  For Boelter it's her third goal of the season and first in conference play.

The goal also marks the sixth time in the Patriots first seven games that they scored first.  Cumberlands continued to apply the pressure holding the Blue Raiders to one shot in the half.  Offensively, the Patriots looked to extend their lead as they tallied seven shots over the next ten minutes of play, but couldn't convert on them.  UC's best opportunity came in the 37' when Navajas Marin fired a shot to the left corner of the goal, however, Eveljn Frigotto made a diving save to keep the score 1-0 heading into half time.

Cumberlands strong play carried over into the second half as UC continued to dominate the time of possession.  UC was unable to get a shot on goal for the first 15 minutes of the second half until Boelter and Randez connected however both were saved.  Midway through the second half the Patriots forced a Lindsey Wilson turnover deep in their own territory as Boelter found Randez, who sent a touch pass into the box for Navajas Marin for her first goal of the season to extend the lead to 2-0 with 25:03 remaining.  Lindsey Wilson cut into the lead four minutes later as Yudaya Nakayenze headed in a corner kick to make it 2-1.  The two teams traded possession over the next ten minutes as UC continued to look for an insurance goal, taking four shots, none of which were on frame.  In the 84' Navajas Marin sent a through ball behind the Blue Raiders backline to Barnett who put in past the goalie and into the net for the 3-1 lead. Cumberlands defense continued to hold Lindsey Wilson without a shot as the clock ran out for the 3-1 final.

It marks the first 7-0 start for Cumberlands since 2018 and the Patriots first win over Lindsey Wilson since October 20, 2017, when UC defeated the Blue Raiders 2-0 in Columbia.   

The Patriots will return home to host Cumberland on Sunday, February 28.  The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. kickoff with live video available here and live stats available here.

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