NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 2, Cumberlands 0
Records: Life U, 4-0-1; UC, 2-1-2
MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University men's soccer team stunned the #2 ranked Patriots of the University of the Cumberlands on Saturday night, handing the visitors their first loss of the season. A massive blunder from the opposing goal keeper in the 2nd minute of the contest gave Life U all the momentum for the remaining 88 minutes.
It took under two minutes at Lupo Family Field for the drama to begin. An early long ball from Life U led to a UC red card after the keeper was forced to come off his line to make a play. The massive mistake resulted in a freekick from just outside the 18 yard box, and with the Patriots down to just ten men, the Running Eagles seized early momentum. With mounting pressure and all the momeuntum, the Running Eagles broke through in the 8th minute.
The scoring opened off Leonardo DiPaola finish after a brilliant long ball from Augusto Del Rio. The Life U attack then continued the pressure well into the half and was once more rewarded for their work in the 29th minute. Battling to keep the ball within the touch line, Andrei Apostu forced the ball into the box where Manuel Carrillo quickly laid the ball off to Alvaro Hidalgo for the insurance goal. The Running Eagles carried the 2-0 advantage into the break having dominated the shot count in the first 45, 8-1.
Out of the break, Life U picked up right where it left off. Controlling the possession and tempo, the Running Eagles allowed just two more shots in the contest from the visitors, none of which were on frame. Life U closed the contest with no shots on goal allowed and just two corner kick opportunities afforded to the visitors.
"Fantastic night for our team and our program," said Head Coach Alex Pama. "Cumberlands is always a strong opponent and tonight was no different. Of course the early red card played in our favor but the boys created plenty of opportunities and our defense hardly gave anything away. I'm extremely pleased with our shutout so compliments for the lads as we have been critical as of late, despite our wins, of the defensive efforts at times. Tonight they all were brilliant. Thanks also for the many fans who were a great support. See you all Tuesday when we take on a strong SCAD team as well.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Life U allowed 0 shots on target.
--The Running Eagles posted 15 shots in the contest.
TURNING POINT:
--A red card to the Cumberlands keeper in the 2nd minute of the game forced the Patriots to play with just ten men.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Leonardo DiPaola scored the opening goal in the contest.
--Alvaro Hidalgo scored a goal in the contest.
--Augusto Del Rio, Manuel Carrillo and Andrei Apostu were all credited with an assist.
