All praise goes to the Men’s soccer team as they have their best performance of the season beating #13 Cumberland University 5-0 on the road and down a man for over half the match. The #2 UC Women’s Patriots was upset by Cumberland 2-1 earlier in the day. Also earlier in the day the UC Football team was beaten by #2 Keiser 42-12.

Cumberlands (KY) Stun Undefeated Cumberland (TN) With 5-0 Rout

Lebanon, Tenn. — September 20, 2025

The clash between Cumberlands Patriots and the unbeaten Cumberland Phoenix was supposed to be a test of survival for the Patriots. Instead, it became a statement. In front of a stunned home crowd at Lindsey Donnell Stadium, the Patriots buried the Phoenix under wave after wave of pressure, walking away with a resounding 5-0 victory.

A Dream Start

From the opening whistle, Cumberlands played like a team with something to prove. Their intent was clear in the 10th minute when Mario Fernandez slipped a smart ball through to Hugo Champalloux, who coolly slotted home the opening goal. The early strike silenced the stands and rattled the confidence of a Phoenix side that hadn’t yet tasted defeat this season.

Champalloux wasn’t done there. Ten minutes later, he returned the favor, laying off a perfect assist for Bruno Marques, who blasted the ball into the net for a 2-0 cushion. By the 44th minute, the Patriots had completely seized control when Leandro Nico Romero finished a worked sequence set up by Tjerk Meijs, sending Cumberlands into halftime up 3-0 and in complete command.

Tensions Boil Over

But the night wasn’t just about goals — it was also about the growing heat of the rivalry on the pitch. Tackles grew harder, tempers shorter.

In the 17th minute, Ryota Nakamura picked up the first yellow for Cumberlands after a clumsy challenge.
Just two minutes later midfielder Bruno Garcia joined him in the book.
The Phoenix lost their composure too: defender Alejandro Vega saw yellow in the 26th, then again in the 43rd, resulting in a first-half ejection. With Cumberland reduced to ten men, the mountain they faced turned into an impossible climb.

By the time halftime arrived, the Patriots not only had a commanding lead but also a man advantage.

Crushing the Phoenix

The second half opened the same way the first ended: with Cumberlands dictating play. Just three minutes after the restart, Mario Fernandez once again worked his magic, feeding Marques for his second goal of the night and pushing the scoreline to 4-0.

Even with several players already carrying yellows — including Abdulah Adams and Ryoma Ichihara — the Patriots never lost their edge. Their discipline was tested, but their momentum was unstoppable.

The finishing touch came in the 79th minute. Off a delicate setup from Luca Piazza, Bruno Garcia redeemed his earlier booking with a well-taken goal to round out the score at 5-0.

Final Whistle: Triumph for the Patriots

By the end, the stats told a lopsided story, but the mood told another: frustration and disappointment for the Phoenix, jubilation for Cumberlands.

A team that came in 3-2-2 had just handed an undefeated 6-0-2 side its first and most humiliating loss — on their own field. The five goals, the fearless play, and even the willingness to withstand a flurry of yellow cards combined for a performance that won’t soon be forgotten.

As the Patriots walked off the pitch, heads held high, one truth was undeniable: Cumberlands (KY) had arrived, and they had done it in emphatic style.

Final Score: Cumberlands (KY) 5, Cumberland (TN) 0

What’s Next

#4 Cumberlands will travel up I-75 and face rival Georgetown College (2-4-1) on Tuesday (9/23) at 8 PM at Toyota Stadium.

Patriots Nation Player of the Game

Bruno Marques

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