Fire Drop Close Match to Phoenix for First Loss of 2018

No. 5 Southeastern Defeated by No. 15 Phoenix in Tough Road Contest
LEBANON, Tenn. – Playing its third consecutive match versus an NAIA-ranked opponent, the No. 5 Southeastern University women’s soccer team fell to the No. 15 Cumberland University Phoenix 2-1 for its first loss of the season. This marks the first non-conference regular season loss for the Fire since 9/7/15.
“This is a tough loss but its the risk you take when you go on the road versus quality teams. Players get banged up and aren’t always at 100 percent, but we wouldn’t trade the opportunity to play high caliber teams for anything,” shared head coach Randy Belli.
The Fire came out aggressive in their attack, outshooting the Phoenix 4-1 in the first six minutes of play.
However, it was Cumberland who broke through in the 7th minute, as Haley Stevens netted her first goal of the season to put the Phoenix ahead 1-0.
Junior forward Uchenna Kanu responded for SEU in the 22nd minute, chipping around the CU keeper and blasting it in the back of the net to tie things up 1-1. The score was Kanu’s NAIA-leading 16th of the season.
The Fire and the Phoenix remained tied 1-1 at the half.
Once again, SEU generated offensive chances in the early goings of the half. The Fire took three shots on frame within the first seven minutes of play in the second half.
However, Cumberland earned the go-ahead score in the 56th minute when Mariah Aplin found the back of the net to put the Phoenix ahead 2-1.
SEU generated just two shots on frame in the final 30 minutes of play.
Southeastern out-shot Cumberland 20-11 on the contest, including 11-6 on goal.
The Fire look to bounce back on their home pitch next Friday night, as they host the Florida College Falcons at 7:30 p.m.