WICHITA, Kan. – The Lindsey Wilson men's soccer team saw its 2024 campaign come to an end on Monday night, falling 2-1 to Cumberlands (Ky.) in the NAIA National Championship Round of 16 at the Scheels Stryker Sports Complex.
The Blue Raiders (10-6-3) struck first in the seventh minute when Dominic Ayella scored off a well-worked sequence assisted by Sebastian Tregarthen and Felix Poschmann. The goal marked Ayella's team-leading 17th of the season and gave Lindsey Wilson an early advantage.
Cumberlands (15-2-2), however, responded quickly. Rodrigo Riveros found the back of the net in the 16th minute on an assist from Bart-Jan Braams to level the score. The Patriots seized the lead in the 42nd minute when Riveros turned provider, setting up Gerard Liao for what proved to be the game-winning goal.
The match saw its share of physical play and key disciplinary moments. Cumberlands' Riveros was sent off in the 61st minute after receiving his second yellow card, temporarily giving the Blue Raiders a numerical advantage. However, Lindsey Wilson's Lucas Migon was also ejected just two minutes later for his second yellow card, evening the sides at 10 men each for the remainder of the match.
Despite a spirited second-half effort, Lindsey Wilson was unable to find the equalizer. The Blue Raiders tallied eight shots, with two on target, while the Patriots recorded 10 total shots, four of which were on frame. Both teams battled intensely, resulting in nine cautions being issued—five to Lindsey Wilson and four to Cumberlands.
The loss ends Lindsey Wilson's NAIA tournament run, which saw the Blue Raiders claim an emphatic second-round victory over Xavier (La.) before coming up short in the Round of 16. This year's appearance marked the program's 31st trip to the national tournament, further solidifying its legacy as one of the most storied teams in NAIA men's soccer.
Cumberlands advances to the quarterfinals and will continue its pursuit of a national title.
