Williamsburg, KY – The University of the Cumberlands Men's Soccer team has once again built an impressive résumé, piecing together another strong campaign as they prepare for a postseason push in the 2025 NAIA National Tournament. The Patriots secured an at-large bid and will host the Second Round of the tournament for the second straight year. 

2025 Season 

Cumberlands enters the NAIA Tournament with an 8-5-4 overall record, highlighted by three wins over Top-10 opponents, #4 Bethel, #6 Lindsey Wilson, and #9 Cumberland University. Under the guidance of Head Coach Paulo Neto, the Patriots captured the Mid-South Conference Regular Season title with a 5-1 league mark, before falling in the conference semifinals to Cumberland University. UC has remained a steady presence in the national polls throughout the season, climbing to #8 in the NAIA Coaches' Poll heading into postseason play. 

This year's squad has seen a number of standout performances across the pitch. Graduate student and captain Bruno Garcia anchored the Patriot defense, earning MSC First Team All-Conference honors and an MSC Defender of the Week award. Senior goalkeeper Javier Izquierdo Cuervo collected MSC Second Team honors and was recognized as MSC Defender of the Week twice for his consistency between the posts. Sophomore forward Leandro Nico Romero Protto also earned Second Team All-Conference honors after providing an offensive spark in key matches. 

In total, five Patriots were named to the Mid-South All-Conference teams, while Coach Paulo Neto was selected as MSC Head Coach of the Year and Jack Smith earned MSC Assistant Coach of the Year honors for their leadership throughout the season. 

Postseason Play 

For the seventh consecutive season, the Patriots have earned a spot in the NAIA National Tournament, and for the second straight year, they will host the NAIA Second Round at the UC Soccer Complex in Williamsburg, KY. The Patriots are set to face Xavier University of Louisiana on Saturday, November 22 at 3:00 p.m. (EST). 

This will mark the first-ever meeting between the Patriots and the Gold Rush, as Cumberlands looks to build upon last season's historic run that saw UC advance to the NAIA Final Site. With a balanced lineup and a veteran core leading the way, the Patriots aim to return to the national stage once again. 

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