Williamsburg, KY – The eighth ranked University of the Cumberlands Men's Soccer team closed out its non-conference slate with a 0-0 draw against RV Union College Saturday evening at the UC Lacrosse/Soccer Complex. Despite controlling possession and generating 11 total shots, including four on goal, the Patriots were unable to find the finishing touch in the stalemate. 

Cumberlands opened the match on the front foot, pushing Union deep into its own half with early pressure and a pair of corner kicks in the opening six minutes. Junior Samuel Dolobaipu proved to be a constant aerial threat, forcing the first save of the game in the 12th minute and narrowly missing the target minutes later. The Patriots' attack continued to build through wide play from Ryoma Ichihara and Gabriel Canineu, while keeper Javiero Izquierdo Cuervo made his lone save of the night in the 16th minute to keep things level. 

UC sustained its momentum through the remainder of the half, firing seven shots compared to Union's two and earning multiple set pieces, including a dangerous corner from Canineu in the 40th minute that led to a blocked attempt by Luca Piazza. The match went into halftime scoreless, with the Patriots holding a clear advantage in possession and attacking opportunities. 

After the break, Cumberlands continued to press for the opener. Dolobaipu recorded three more looks on goal within the first 10 minutes of the second half, forcing another save from the Union keeper. Canineu remained a spark in the midfield, creating several chances and delivering five corner kicks on the night as UC searched for the breakthrough. 

The Patriots' defense, anchored by Tjerk Meijs and Anthony Carriel Jaramillo, stood firm and limited Union to zero second-half shots on target. Izquierdo and the back line combined for UC's third clean sheet of the season, holding the Bulldogs to just two total shots across 90 minutes. 

Cumberlands finished the match with an 11-2 edge in total shots and a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks. The result moves the Patriots to 4-2-3 overall heading into conference play. 

Up next, Cumberlands returns to action Thursday, October 9, wen they host #3 Lindsey Wilson University (Ky.) at the UC Lacrosse/Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Williamsburg. 

For the latest updates on Cumberlands Men's Soccer, follow the Patriots on social media — @UC_Patriots on X and @UCPatriotsMSOC on Instagram.