Lebanon, Tenn.-Cumberland University men’s soccer will host Carroll College (Mont.) in the second round of the NAIA National Tournament on saturday at 12 PM CT at Lindsey Donnell Stadium. Weather conditions may necessitate a venue change; updates will be available at GoCumberlandAthletics.com and on Cumberland Athletics’ social media channels.
Cumberland (13-3-3) advanced after defeating the No.6 University of the cumberlands in the Mid-South Conference Semifinals before falling to Bethel (Tenn.) in the MSC Championship. Carroll (14-3-3) earned its spot wiht a 14-3-3 record and a Thursday night victory over Wiley. This marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
Leading Cumberland’s offensive charge is MSC Player of the Year, Philipp Schmidtke, who recorded at least two goal contributions in nine games this season, including a one-goal, three-assist performance against St. Thomas. Teammates Cerejo (10 goals, 15 assists) and Gelabert (13 goals, 10 assists) both achieved double-digit goal and assist totals. Pau Ortega added 11 goals and 5 assists, while Harold Perea contributed 12 goal contributions.
Carroll’s defense has been a key to their success, conceding only nine goals during the regular season. Defenders Justus Herrmann and Alan Gutierrez were both named First team All-Conference. Goalkeeper Juan Muniz Navarrete earned Second Team All-CCC honors for the third consecutive season, posting nine shutouts and an 80.4% save percentage. Forwards Felix Billard and Alfie Snow combined for 15 goals and 34 points, also earning Second team All-CCC recognition, while captain Sam Loughton added 12 points.
