September 28, 2022

by Dustin Semore, Sports Information Director

LEBANON, Tenn. — After a hot start that saw Freed-Hardeman begin the season 4-1-0, the Lions find themselves on the losing end of a Mid-South Conference matchup with the Cumberland (Tenn.) University Phoenix. 

The Freed-Hardeman (4-3-1, 1-1-1 MSC) offense continues to have difficulty flipping the field, with the hosting Phoenix outshooting the Lions 22-5.

Cumberland (5-1-1, 2-0-1 MSC) set the tone early, netting their first goal on the first shot of the match at 1:10 by Kam Stanley. The Lions' best chance came in the 25th minute when a shot from Joao Pedro was knocked behind the end line, leading to a corner kick. Joao's kick found its intended target of Ian Matheus, but the sophomore's shot sailed high. FHU keeper Omer Shifris saved the next five shots on goal before CU's leading scorer, Brima Kamara, scored his fifth goal of the season at 39:20.

In the second half, a Phoenix shot bounced off of the post and back onto the foot of Carson Tighe, who buried his first goal of the season to put the match out of the Lions' reach. 

Joao's two shot attempts led the Lions, with Thabo Mahlaha, Ian Matheus, and JT Spainhoward getting shots off. Shifris was charged with the loss despite making 10 saves.

Up Next

The three-match road trip continues for Coach Jason Elliott's squad, with the next stop being in Pulaski against Tennessee Southern on Saturday, October 1, at 4:00 p.m.