Mendoza’s Second-Half Brace Powers Cumberland Past Truett McConnell, 3-2

Photo / Cumberland Athletics

LEBANON, TN - The Cumberland University men's soccer team remained perfect on the young season Monday afternoon, overcoming an early deficit to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Truett McConnell University at Lindsey Donnell Stadium.

With the win, the Phoenix improved to 3-0-0 on the year, while the visiting Bears dropped to 0-1-2. Cumberland controlled the tempo for much of the afternoon, holding a 17-10 advantage in total shots and putting seven on frame compared to Truett McConnell's six.

Truett McConnell opened the scoring just 3:15 into the match when Jovica Lazarevic found the back of the net off a setup from Roman Reynolds. However, Cumberland found its equalizer in the 26th minute. Subbing into the match moments earlier, Juan Juarez delivered a timely pass to David Barbakadze, who netted his fifth goal of the season to level the score at 1-1 entering halftime.

The Phoenix seized momentum after the break behind a spectacular two-goal performance from midfielder Wesley Mendoza. In the 64th minute, Mendoza ripped a striking shot from 30 yards out off a feed from Barbakadze, putting Cumberland ahead 2-1. Mendoza struck again in the 76th minute, launching a dynamic volley past the keeper following a cross to the far post delivered by Edgar Salazar and set up by Harold Perea.

The Bears refused to go away silently, pulling within one goal in the 86th minute when Carlos Ruiz scored off assists from Thomas Hill and Sonke Hartmann. Truett McConnell pressed for a late equalizer, but the Phoenix defense held strong through the final whistle to clinch the victory.

Mendoza paced the Phoenix attack with two goals on four shots, three of which were on target. Barbakadze added a goal and an assist, while goalkeeper Pau Gelabert played all 90 minutes between the pipes, making four saves to earn the victory.

Cumberland returns to the pitch on Saturday as they hit the road to face defending National Champions Grand View in Iowa.