Coyne impresses on Senior Day as Phoenix men win 3-1
Oct. 4—Cumberland's men enjoyed their senior day festivities before kickoff last Saturday as they hosted the Mighty Oaks from Oakland City University at Lindsey Donnell Stadium.
Senior captain Cathal Coyne was the star of the day, leading the Phoenix to a 3-1 win with his second half brace.
Both teams came into the day with something to prove, as neither defense gave up an inch of ground for the strong majority of the first half. Senior day wouldn't go without some spoiling though as the Mighty Oaks only had two shots the entirety of the first half but found their breakthrough.
Countering the Phoenix after their last attack of the half, Oakland City won a free kick and made use of the dead ball. Curling a ball into the defense, it was first headed out but followed up on by Brian Elizarraras.
With their lone shot on goal, the Might Oaks pulled ahead just before the break, 1-0.
Playing with a lead, Oakland City offered little in the way of attacking, often playing with two defensive midfielders to shield their back four. The Phoenix hounded their back line and although it wasn't an attacker that brought it level, it would be none other than the captain.
Kam Stanley found a gap in the defense but was taken to the ground by Drake Dickens after taking his first touch, drawing a penalty for the Phoenix.Coyne stepped up to the spot and smashed it past the Mighty Oak goalkeeper, bringing the game to a deadlock.
Attacking with the most energy they had showed the whole match, the Phoenix were sat comfortably in the opposition half of the field. Not letting that positioning go to waste, Abdul Kadir went to nearly the spot as Stanley did before and won yet another penalty.
Again, Coyne stepped up and sent the ball in the top right corner, for his second goal of the evening. The Phoenix offense was not done there however, as Marcos Perez delivered a low driven cross into the box which clattered around and found its way into the back of the net.
In an attempt to be cleared, the ball was sent off the back of a fellow defender, being counted as an own goal in the end. Coming in the 88th minute, that all but sealed the game for the Phoenix, as they went on to pick up their sixth win of the season.
Cumberland will resume Mid-South Conference play today, as they host the Georgetown Tigers. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Lindsey Donnell Stadium/Kirk Field.
Tuplin sparks Cumberland comeback in 2-2 draw at Campbellsville
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Keeping up with Mid-South Conference play, Cumberland's women traveled to Campbellsville to duel with the Tigers last Saturday.
The Phoenix clawed their way back and scored two goals in the final 10 minutes to draw, 2-2.
The Tigers have been known for their strong attack, and they showed their class in this game. Keeping the Phoenix on their backfoot, Cumberland had to adapt its style of play quickly.
Angeline Kieh has led the way for Campbellsville for some time now and she put the home side ahead before the break. After drawing a free kick from the left side of the 18-yard box, the Tigers sent a ball off the crossbar and Kieh was there to follow it up.
Putting more attempts on goal to end the half, Campbellsville grabbed not only the lead, but also the momentum. With a 1-0 deficit to overcome, the Phoenix were in uncommon territory.
Coming out of the break, the Tigers looked to play more defensively, but their counterattack was still as dangerous as ever. After a brief Phoenix attack, Agatha Nimene found Lina Berrah at the second post and she managed to win an aerial duel over Phoenix co-captain Ella Tuplin, doubling the deficit.
Although it has become something of a cliche at this point, many will repeat that 2-0 is the most dangerous lead in this sport, and it proved to be just that today. Being co-captain for a reason, Tuplin kept her cool after the second goal and in due time, broke the game wide open.
Linking up with Grace Morris, she dribbled the ball up the right wing and with no pressure from the Tigers, she took her shot; and it was a good one. Sailing through the air, the keeper could do little as she was beaten on her back post, bringing the game to 2-1.
Propelling the Phoenix forward, they ran at the goal like a team on a mission. With as much firepower as they have, as well as the momentum back on their side, it was only a matter of time before they leveled it.
Doing just that, Celia Rodriguez met a Brenda Cernas corner at the second post and headed in her first goal of the game, and second of the season. Flustering the Tiger defense, Cumberland was on the hunt for a win, though it proved to be too late.
In one of the most exciting games of the season for the Phoenix, the draw ensures they stay undefeated at 10-0-2.
The Phoenix will continue conference play today, as they host the Georgetown Tigers. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Lindsey Donnell Stadium.
