Orange Beach, AL – The University of the Cumberlands men's soccer team saw its postseason journey come to a close on Saturday afternoon, falling 1–0 in the NAIA National Semifinals. UC controlled long stretches of the match, generated eight corner kicks, and created multiple second-half chances, but couldn't find the finishing touch needed to extend its historic run.
Cumberlands opened with confidence, establishing possession through the midfield and earning early looks at goal. Mario Fernandez Garcia forced a save in the 8th minute, and the Patriots' movement in wide areas produced sustained attacking pressure throughout the half.
UC earned five corners in the opening period, all taken by Fernandez, including a sequence in the 35th and 36th minutes that kept the opposing back line under heavy pressure. Samuel Dolobaipu added a spark off the bench, putting a shot just wide in the 32nd minute as the Patriots pushed for the opener.
Defensively, Cumberlands remained organized and composed. Javiero Izquierdo Cuervo provided a steady presence in goal, making an early stop and guiding a back line that handled several counters cleanly. The teams entered halftime level at 0–0.
The Patriots nearly broke through minutes into the second half as Fernandez placed another shot on frame in the 47th minute. Moments later, Dolobaipu and Fernandez continued to stretch the field, keeping UC on the front foot.
Despite the strong start, Cumberlands found itself trailing after a finish by the Vikings in the 50th minute. UC immediately responded with urgency, winning three corners in a two-minute span and creating multiple looks through Dolobaipu, who sent a pair of chances just wide in the 53rd and 59th minutes.
As the match tightened in the final half-hour, Izquierdo delivered several key saves to keep UC within reach, while defenders Bruno Garcia, Patrick Ostergreen, and Anthony Carriel Jaramillo broke up transition moments and allowed the Patriots to keep pushing forward.
Cumberlands continued to apply pressure late, earning its eighth corner in the 88th minute and throwing numbers into the attacking third. Despite the surge, the equalizer never came, and UC's national semifinal appearance concluded at 1–0.
The semifinal finish caps off a landmark season for the Patriots, who advanced into the national tournament semifinal for the second consecutive year and showcased one of the most complete defensive units in program history. With a strong core returning, Cumberlands closes the year with momentum and belief as the program continues its upward trajectory.
For the latest and most up-to-date information on University of the Cumberlands Athletics. Please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. Follow us on Twitter- @UC_Patriots and @UCPatsGameday, Instagram- @UCPatriots, TikTok- @ucpatriots, Youtube- Cumberlands Patriots, and Facebook by searching University of the Cumberlands
