The University of the Cumberlands men's soccer team faced a tough test on the road against RV Life University on Saturday evening, ultimately falling 0-2 in non-conference play. 

The match turned quickly in Life's favor after UC goalkeeper Javiero Izquierdo Cuervo was shown a red card in the second minute for handling the ball outside the box. Forced to play nearly the entire match a man down, the Patriots brought on Martin Gomez in goal, and he immediately shouldered a heavy workload. 

Life capitalized on the advantage, opening the scoring in the 8th minute when Leonardo DiPaula found the back of the net. The Running Eagles doubled their lead in the 29th minute to make it 2-0 heading into halftime. 

Despite the early setback, Cumberlands continued to battle. Gomez turned aside six shots on the evening to keep UC within striking distance, while Patrick Ostergreen and Samuel Dolobaipu generated chances that went just high or wide. Emil Skursch provided a dangerous corner in the 71st minute, but the Patriots couldn't convert. 

UC's backline tightened in the second half, limiting Life to just two shots on goal over the final 45 minutes. The Patriots fought hard to stay in the match, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome as Life secured the 2-0 win. 

Life outshot Cumberlands 15-8, including an 8-2 edge in shots on frame, while each side earned three corner kicks. 

With the setback, the Patriots move to 2-1-2 on the season. Cumberlands now turns its attention to its home opener as the Patriots host Bryan College (Tenn.) on Saturday, September 13 at 7 p.m. at the UC Lacrosse/Soccer Complex. 

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