Williamsburg, KY – Nico Romero netted the game-winning goal as the University of the Cumberlands men's soccer team defeated Freed-Hardeman University 1-0 Wednesday night at the UC Soccer Complex in the Mid-South Conference Tournament Quarterfinals. With the win, the Patriots improve to 7-6-4 overall and advance to the MSC Semifinals.
Freed-Hardeman looked for an early advantage, generating two shots in the opening five minutes before Cumberlands began to create opportunities of its own. Jesus Macaya had an attempt blocked in the 10' before putting another shot on frame in the 23', forcing a save from the Lions goalkeeper. The Patriots continued to apply pressure, earning their first corner moments later.
UC broke through in the 28' when Vinicius Serafim set up Romero, who found the back of the net for his team-leading 11th goal of the season to give Cumberlands a 1-0 advantage.
The Patriots continued to push forward as Luca Piazza sent an attempt high before Romero forced another save in the 33'. Cumberlands earned back-to-back corners in the 36' and 37', with Romero heading an attempt high following the first. Jannes Kühn added another header on frame in the 45', but the Lions goalkeeper made the save as UC carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Freed-Hardeman looked for the equalizer early in the second half, but Zachary Dean made a save in the 52' to preserve the advantage. Cumberlands responded with a header from Romero in the 56' before Kühn put another shot on frame in the 66', forcing a save following a Patriots corner kick.
UC continued to look for an insurance goal as Serafim sent an attempt high in the 78' before Kühn added another chance two minutes later. Freed-Hardeman made one final push in the closing minutes, but Dean came up with a crucial save in the 82' as the Patriots held on for the 1-0 shutout victory.
Cumberlands outshot Freed-Hardeman 11-5, including a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal, while holding a 6-2 edge in corner kicks. Dean finished with two saves to secure the clean sheet.
Cumberlands advances to the Mid-South Conference Tournament Semifinals, where the Patriots will face top-seeded Cumberland University (Tenn.).
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