Williamsburg, KY – The University of the Cumberlands men's soccer team battled top-ranked Cumberland University to a 1-1 draw Thursday night at the UC Soccer Complex. With the draw, the Patriots move to 6-4-2 overall and 2-1-1 in Mid-South Conference play.
Cumberlands created the early attacking opportunities as Nico Romero put a shot on frame in the 11' before Samuel Dolobaipu followed with a header that forced a save in the 19'. Jesus Macaya added another chance in the 25', but his attempt sailed high. Cumberland looked for the opening goal in the 27', but Zachary Dean made the save to keep the match scoreless.
The Patriots broke through in the 28' when Dunsting Cohen Jr. set up Vinicius Serafim, who connected on a diving header for his first goal of the season to give UC a 1-0 advantage. Cumberlands continued to push forward as Romero headed an attempt wide following a corner kick in the 36'. The Patriots carried the one-goal lead into halftime while holding a 5-2 advantage in shots.
Cumberland responded quickly out of the break, finding the equalizer in the 47' to level the match at 1-1. UC looked to regain the lead as Dolobaipu and Nuemonie Blackwood each recorded shots in the opening five minutes of the half.
Cumberlands continued to control the attacking pressure throughout the second half. Romero forced a save in the 63' before Dolobaipu and Conor McVeigh each had shots blocked moments later. Cohen Jr. added another opportunity in the 67', but his attempt went high as the match remained tied.
The Patriots generated another strong sequence in the 77' as Serafim had a shot blocked before forcing a save from the Cumberland goalkeeper. McVeigh put another shot on frame in the 84', while Macaya sent an attempt wide in the closing minutes. Despite the sustained pressure, neither side was able to find the game-winner as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Cumberlands outshot Cumberland 15-3, including a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal, while both teams earned two corner kicks. Dean finished with one save as the Patriots held the Phoenix to just one shot in the second half.
Cumberlands returns to action Sunday, October 11, when the Patriots host #7 Life University at the UC Lacrosse/Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
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