Winona Lake, IN – The fourth-ranked University of the Cumberlands men's soccer team opened the 2025 season on the road with a 1-1 draw at Grace College Thursday evening. 

The match marked the Patriot debut for Samuel Dolobaipu, who made an immediate impact by scoring UC's lone goal of the contest. In goal, Javiero Izquierdo Cuervo anchored the defense with a pair of crucial saves, showcasing his composure and leadership in net. 

The match opened with Grace creating an early look in the first minute that went wide. Cumberlands responded quickly as Mario Fernandez forced a save in the 4'. The Patriots continued to apply pressure with multiple corners in the first half, before Fernandez took another shot on target in the 25' that was stopped by Pedro Galante. Grace found momentum midway through the half with a strong shot by Sebastian Lozano, stopped by a diving save to the left by Izquierdo. The Patriots continued to strike back with two more corners and another shot by Fernandez. Despite chances for both sides, the match went into halftime scoreless. 

The second half began with another key stop by Izquierdo in the second minute of the period. Cumberlands broke through when Hugo Champalloux sent a cross into the box that Samuel Dolobaipu headed home in the 58'. Grace responded ten minutes later as Felix Voigt found the back of the net in the 70' off a setup from Maxime Bregeon to even the match at 1-1. The Patriots fought hard in the closing minutes to take advantage of being a man up as Fernandez nearly netted the game-winner in the 90's, but his shot struck the post as UC walked away with the draw. 

Cumberlands tallied nine shots, including four on frame, and earned four corners, while Izquierdo made two saves. Grace finished with eight shots, three on frame, and four corners, while Galante made three saves. The contest saw a combined 24 fouls, with UC whistled for 10 and Grace for 14. 

Cumberlands returns to the pitch on Saturday, August 23 against the Bethel University Pilots. The match is set for 7:00 p.m. in Mishawaka, IN.  

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