McKenzie, TN – The #6 University of the Cumberlands men's soccer team closed out its regular season Saturday evening with a 4-1 setback at #18 Bethel. The Patriots had already secured the Mid-South Conference regular season championship earlier in the week and finish the campaign at 8-4-4 overall and 5-1 in MSC play. 

Cumberlands struck first in the 21st minute as senior Mario Fernandez capitalized on a well-built attack through the midfield. Antonis Seraphides played the initial ball ahead to Leandro Nico Romero Protto, who slipped a pass into Fernandez for a clean finish and an early 1-0 lead. 

Bethel found an equalizer shortly after and added another late in the half to take a 2-1 advantage into the break. Despite facing heavy pressure, goalkeeper Javiero Izquierdo Cuervo stood tall with eight first-half saves to keep UC within reach. 

The Patriots pushed forward after halftime, creating several chances through Fernandez, Emil Skursch, and Romero. Cumberlands nearly drew level in the 56th minute when Fernandez forced a defensive save before Romero and Skursch each fired just high in the following sequence. 

Momentum stayed even until the final 10 minutes, when Bethel converted a pair of late goals to extend the margin. UC continued to press to the final whistle, with Samuel Dolobaipu and Bruno Garcia each testing the keeper in the closing minutes. 

Izquierdo finished the match with 11 saves, while Fernandez led the attack with three shots. Cumberlands totaled nine shots (five on goal) and two corner kicks while keeping pace physically in a 14-15 foul count. 

The Patriots now turn their attention to postseason play as the top seed in the Mid-South Conference Tournament. 

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