Cumberland Cruises to 3–0 Win Over Carroll; Match Interrupted by Crowd Disturbance

Photo David Oglesby / Cumberland on the Attack

By David Oglesby

LEBANON, Tenn. — Cumberland University advanced in the NAIA National Tournament with a 3–0 victory over Carroll (Mont.) at Cumberland's Lindsey Donnell Stadium. The Phoenix first struck late in the opening half and put the game away in the second period with two more goals, finishing with 26 shots (13 on target) to Carroll’s 12 (2 on target).

Scoring summary:

• 37:16 — Wesley Mendoza (Cumberland) converted a rebound from a Philipp Schmidtke assist to make it 1−0.

• 57:42 — Luis Cerejo finished from close range following build-up play involving Jostin Angel and Mendoza to extend the lead to 2−0.

• 80:31 — Dominik Gedek added an unassisted strike off a cross-field play to seal the 3−0 result.

Key performers:

• Miquel Gelabert led Cumberland with eight shots (five on goal); Pau Ortega had six shots (two on target). Philipp Schmidtke set up the opening goal.

• Goalkeeper Eric Zalaya recorded two saves and the shutout. Carroll keeper Juan Muniz Navarrete made 10 saves while facing 26 attempts.

  
  

Cumberland controlled much of the match, converting possession into chances and earning eight corner kicks to Carroll’s three. Cumberland committed 15 fouls to Carroll’s 13. Yellow cards were shown to Cumberland’s Luis Cerejo, Miquel Gelabert and Jostin Angel in the first half; Carroll’s Adam Webster and Cumberland’s Alejandro Vega were booked in the second.

Cumberland will advance to the national site in Orange Beach, Ala., to face Georgia Gwinnett in the next round. The win represents a program milestone for Cumberland in NAIA tournament play.

Disruption and investigation:

The match was marred by a crowd disturbance. Officials initially halted play with around seven minutes left in the second half after alleged racial slurs were reportedly heard from the stands directed at a Carroll player. Play was delayed while referees, team staff and stadium officials conferred. After more than twenty minutes of discussion both teams left the field without an immediate ruling or ending to the match.

NAIA and Cumberland websites show a final and win by Cumberland of 3-0 at the time of this report. NAIA officials and Cumberland's Athletic Department have not released a formal statement on the incident. NAIA’s policies prohibit racial slurs and discriminatory conduct; institutions and event hosts must investigate allegations, take prompt disciplinary action when warranted, and may remove offending spectators. The NAIA emphasizes protecting student‑athletes and upholding sportsmanship standards.