Williamsburg, KY – The University of the Cumberlands men's soccer team closed out its home slate in style Thursday night, earning a 3–1 comeback win over Freed-Hardeman at the UC Soccer Complex as the Patriots celebrated Senior Night. 

Freed-Hardeman struck first in the 36th minute with a finish off a corner kick to give the Lions a 1–0 advantage. Despite the deficit, Cumberlands controlled the run of play throughout the first half, outshooting FHU 7–1 and earning four corners but went into the break trailing by one. 

The Patriots' persistence paid off early in the second half. In the 57th minute, freshman Leandro Nico Romero Protto buried a finish off a feed from Mario Fernandez to even the score at 1–1.Protto connected again for the go-ahead goal in the 70th minute for his second of the night and third of the season, assisted by junior Samuel Dolobaipu, giving UC a 2–1 edge. 

Cumberlands sealed the win late when Gabriel Canineu converted in the 90th minute off an assist from Ja-Son Whyte for his first Patriots goal, extending the lead to 3–1 and capping the Senior Night celebration. 

The Patriot defense was solid throughout, limiting Freed-Hardeman to just four shots, only three on goal, while junior keeper Javiero Izquierdo tallied two saves, including a crucial penalty-kick stop in the 75th minute to preserve the lead. 

UC outshot the Lions 19–4 overall, including an 8–3 margin in shots on goal, and held a 6–4 advantage in corner kicks. 

With the win, Cumberlands improves to 8-3-4 overall and a perfect 5-0 in Mid-South Conference play. The Patriots will close out the regular season next week on the road before turning their attention to the MSC Tournament. 

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