Wichita, KS – The Patriots Men's Soccer team met the Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders in the NAIA National Championship Round of 16, marking a 2-1 victory to advance to the Quarterfinals. This is the first time the Pats have been to the Quarterfinals since 2020, where they beat Lindsey Wilson 3-2.
Collectively, UC marked eight shots with three on frame. Leading the way for the Patriots, Rodrigo Riveros netted one goal and marked on assist while Gerard Liao notched a lone goal. Salvador Martinez recorded three shots while Carles Diez Herrero and Tjerk Meijs marked one shot apiece.
In the first half, both teams were aggressive and looking to strike first. The Blue Raiders took the 1-0 advantage within the first ten minutes of play on a fast break up the pitch.
In the '15, the Patriots retaliated with a long ball up field from Bart-Jan Braams to the boot of Riveros. Riveros netted UC's first goal and the equalizer to even the playing field, 1-1.
With the momentum flowing, UC continued to strike on the offensive third of the pitch seeing Martinez with a shot that missed just high and a corner kick from Emil Skursch.
The Blue Raiders quickly changed the tide and pressed up field, marking a pair of shots on goal to see Javiero Izquierdo Cuervo notch his first two saves of the match.
In the 41st minute, Cumberlands' Skursch took another corner kick and passed the ball into the box. A header off Riveros to Liao saw UC net their second goal of the match and take a 2-1 lead into the half.
In the second half, the Blue Raiders were looking for the equalizer as they notched a pair of shots over the span of five minutes. The Patriots quickly flipped the momentum as Liao and Martinez both took a shot of their own.
In the '61, the Patriots and Blue Raiders found themselves in a tough situation as both teams picked up a red card. Both sides were left with ten players on the pitch, forcing the Patriots to work tirelessly on the pitch.
With their season on the line, the Blue Raiders took to their offensive third of the pitch and recorded three shots on frame. UC goalkeeper Izquierdo Cuervo recorded three crucial and timely saves in the last 25 minutes of play. Izquierdo Cuervo led the Pats back line and helped hold the Blue Raiders to 2-1, securing the victory, and advancing to the Quarterfinals.
Cumberlands remains in Wichita, KS at the Scheels Stryker Sports Complex for the NAIA National Championship Quarterfinals. UC will face the reigning National Champions, Mid-America Nazarene University, on Thursday, December 4 at 1:00 p.m. (CST).
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