Cats Move to MSC Finals with Dramatic Overtime Win over Phoenix
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – The No. 1 seeded Bethel Wildcats met 4th seeded Cumberland University Phoenix Saturday afternoon in the MSC Tournament Semifinals at Finley Stadium in Campbellsville, Kentucky. The affair ended in thrilling fashion for the Cats with a 1-0 Golden Goal two overtime victory.
The Wildcats had a one man advantage for much of the match after a red card on Cumberland striker Brandon Gonzalez in the first period. Another huge factor was the second period was played in a rainy downpour for the most part.
After a scoreless regulation and one overtime period the Cats won when a long ball from midfield by Gian-Luca Schunke found its way to defender Alioune Diop who scored on a header just inside the left post.
Bethel's Norberto Lima Vieira had four big saves in the win.
Bethel had a 19-9 advantage in shots and a 5-4 margin in shots on goal. The Wildcats had a 10- 6 advantage in corner kicks.
Bethel, ranked 9th in the nation moved to 12-0 and will face No. 3 seeded University of the Cumberlands Friday in the finals at noon in Campbellsville. Cumberlands upset No. 2 Lindsey Wilson in the other semifinal matchup. Cumberland University finished their season at 6-5-1.
Coach Malang Jarju was thrilled with the big win. "It was an exciting game which was very physical. We made several key adjustments after yesterday's game and it shows how dominant we can be. I am so proud of our young men and right now the sky is the limit."
Tournament page including live stats & live video:
https://www.mid-southconference.org/202021-msc-mens-soccer-tournament
Bracket:
https://www.mid-southconference.org/stats/2020-21/MSoccer/MSC%202021%20MSoccer%20Tournament02.pdf