CU women advance to MSC soccer finals after 2-0 shutout of No. 25 Bethel

On November 11, Cumberland’s women’s soccer team won 2-0 against No. 25 Bethel in the Mid-South Conference. They advanced to face No. 3 Cumberlands in the championship. In the first half, Bethel had one scoring opportunity, but so did Cumberland, and they capitalized to take a lead. Bethel had a few more chances in the second half, but Cumberland’s defense held strong, and they secured the win.

Overall, the Cumberland women’s team took an impressive 16 shots with nine on goal, while Bethel only managed seven shots and two on target. Mari Sagstad and Brenna Swiger each contributed a goal and an assist, and Phoenix keeper Sabrina Garziano had two saves. They proceeded to the championship game, putting forth a strong performance throughout the whole match.

The men’s team also triumphed, defeating the University of the Cumberlands with a 2-1 win. After falling behind in the first half, Cumberland came back strong, with John Azar scoring the deciding goal on a solo run. With strong play from the defense including Cathal Coyne and Alejandro Carrillo, Cumberland’s victory was sealed. They will face the winner of the Lindsey Wilson and Bethel game in the championship.

Cumberland’s men’s team returned to the NAIA top-25 poll, ranking 23rd in the final poll. They finished the season with a 10-4-3 record and strong performances against top teams in the country. All-conference selections Robbie Lyons, John Azar, and Jack McCarthy made significant contributions. The back line, including Alejandro Carrillo, Cathal Coyne, Edvin Grevskott, and Mark Donaldson, also played a crucial role in limiting opponents’ chances.

Meanwhile, Cumberland’s women ranked 13th in the final NAIA top 25 soccer poll of the year. With a strong 13-1-3 record and contributions from nine players who earned All-Conference honors, including Grace Morris, Mari Sagstad, and Yuna Hazekawa, the women’s team proved their prowess on the soccer field. They were strong in several statistical categories, such as goals scored, shots per game, assists, and shutouts.

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Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson is your soccer guru, providing extensive coverage of soccer. With a global perspective, he delivers match reports, player interviews, and insights into the beautiful game, ensuring readers stay connected to the world of soccer.