CLEVELAND, Ga. – Truett McConnell University men's soccer's (0-1-2) unbeaten run to open the 2026 season finally came to an end after being defeated by the No. 14 Cumberland University Phoenix (3-0) on the road Monday.
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Jovica Lazarevic was able to add to his team-leading goal total (four) within the first four minutes of the match, netting a pass from fellow senior
Roman Reynolds to give the Bears an early lead.
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Efforts by keeper
Jovan Maravic and the TMU defense kept the Bears in front for 24 minutes, before the Phoenix eventually responded at the foot of David Barbakadze who claimed his fifth goal of the season.Â
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Cumberland carried this momentum into the second half, netting two more goals in succession, including the game winner. Both second half Phoenix scores were recorded by senior Wesley Mendoza.Â
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Carlos Ruiz provided Truett McConnell with the opportunity to chase an equalizer when he scored in the 86
th minute, bringing the contest to 3-2. The Bears held possession in the final third multiple times after Ruiz's effort but were ultimately unable to find the goal needed to keep their season record lossless.
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Thomas Hill and
Sonke Hartmann recorded their first points of the season Monday, both via assist on Ruiz's finish.
Jovan Maravic registered four saves in his second collegiate start. Freshman
Isaiah Diaz made his collegiate debut as a substitute in the 84
th minute.
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Truett McConnell continues on the road with their third straight away series at Talladega College on Friday, September 4
th.Â
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