Courtesy: Cumberlands Sports Information

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – In a national quarterfinal match that spanned two states and two facilities over two days, it was 13^th-seed Cumberlands knocking off fifth-seed John Brown behind a Nicole Araujo game-winning goal in the 89', Friday morning.  With the win, the Patriots advance to the national semifinals for the third time in program history while improving to 15-4-3 on the season.   

It was an evenly contested match with UC holding a 13-12 edge on John Brown in shots, while Morgan White made five saves.  Araujo netted her 11^th goal on the season and it marks her second goal of the Final Site, while Carola Fontan had notched four points during the final site. 

Both teams battled through wet field conditions during the first half as Cumberlands notched a pair of corner kicks in the 11' as the match remained scoreless.  John Brown looked to strike first as White tallied a save in the 14', before Sara Soto but a shot on frame, which was save keeping the match scoreless.  The Eagles had an opportunity in the 21^st minute, however White made the diving save keeping the score even.  The two teams traded possession over the next 20 minutes as the game remained scoreless.  At that time, play was suspended due to inclement weather and field conditions.

When play resumed this morning Noah Paalman notched a shot, which was saved in the 47'.  UC was forced into a defensive stand as John Brown controlled the possession over the next 20 minutes.  The Patriots backline held strong as White notched a save in the 55^th minute.  Cumberlands picked up their intensity in the final ten minutes of regulation notching a pair of corner kicks.  Carola Fontan's header in the 87^th minute deflected off the post keeping the match scoreless.  The Patriots broke through a minute later as Fontan sent a ball forward that got behind the Eagles defense as Araujo one-touched the shot into the net, putting UC in front 1-0 with 1:25 remaining.  Cumberlands defense held strong as the final seconds ticked away for the 1-0 victory.

Cumberlands advances to the NAIA Semifinals against #8 Oklahoma Wesleyan.  Kickoff is set for Saturday, November 6^th, at 3 p.m.