Williamsburg, KY – In a top-ten Mid-South Conference showdown Thursday night, the #8 University of the Cumberlands men's soccer team earned a statement 1-0 victory over #2 Lindsey Wilson at the UC Lacrosse/Soccer Complex. The Patriots played the entire second half down a man but used disciplined defending, timely saves, and a composed finish from senior Tjerk Meijs to hand the Blue Raiders just their second loss of the season.
Cumberlands set the tone early, earning three corner kicks in the opening seven minutes and testing the Lindsey keeper with a header from Meijs that forced an early save. Mario Fernandez delivered several dangerous services as UC controlled possession through much of the first half.
The Patriots' momentum was tested late in the half after a red card reduced them to ten men in the 45th minute, but UC's defense held firm to send the match scoreless into the break.
Lindsey Wilson pressed forward in the second half, but goalkeeper Javiero Izquierdo Cuervo anchored the back line with key saves in the 61st and 65th minutes to keep the Blue Raiders off the board. Cumberlands continued to threaten on the counter and on set pieces, eventually breaking through in the 79th minute when Zabir Taylor delivered a precise cross into the box. Tjerk Meijs rose above the defense to send in the go-ahead goal, his first of the season, igniting the home crowd.
The Patriots' defense stayed compact over the final ten minutes, as Izquierdo finished with four saves to complete the shutout.
Cumberlands tallied eight shots (four on goal) and nine corner kicks, while holding Lindsey Wilson to 11 shots (four on goal) and just one corner. UC committed 10 fouls to Lindsey's nine in a physical, hard-fought contest.
The Patriots return to action on Thursday, October 16, hosting Campbellsville University (Ky.) at 7 p.m. at the UC Lacrosse/Soccer Complex.
For the latest updates on Cumberlands Men's Soccer, follow the Patriots on social media — @UC_Patriots on X and @UCPatriotsMSOC on Instagram.
