CLEVELAND, Ga. – Truett McConnell University men's soccer is slated to face its first nationally ranked opponent of the season Monday as they travel to Lebanon, Tn. to face the No. 14 Cumberland University Phoenix at the Lindsey Donnell Stadium at Kirk Field.
 
TMU's unbeaten record to begin the 2026 season faces a significant test on Monday with the first of three scheduled opponents mentioned in the NAIA preseason poll. Through two draws to start the season, Truett McConnell's top two goal scorers in 2025 once again find themselves atop the team stat sheet. Jovica Lazarevic (seven goals in 2025) still leads his squad in goals after a hat trick to open the season, while Pablo Farrona (six goals in 2025) joined him in the scorebook last Wednesday with the Bears' only goal against Brewton-Parker.
 
Monday's fixture will be the first matchup between the two programs in history. Cumberland enters the contest 2-0 on the season with an 11-2 goal differential through games against Appalachian Athletic Conference members Bryan and Tennessee Wesleyan. The Phoenix finished 14-4-3 in 2025, making an appearance in the round of 16 in the NAIA National Tournament in the process.
 
Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. CT as both teams look to avoid their first loss of the season.