DAYTON, Tenn. – The Bryan College men's soccer team faced a difficult test in its 2026 home opener Wednesday evening, falling 8-0 to No. 14 Cumberland University at Bryan College.
The nationally ranked Phoenix struck early and maintained control throughout the contest, scoring four goals in each half. The loss moved Bryan to 0-1 on the season, while Cumberland improved to 1-0.
Cumberland opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Luis Cerejo found the back of the net off assists from David Barbakadze and Harold Perea. Cerejo added another goal in the 18th minute before Barbakadze scored twice over the next 12 minutes to give the Phoenix a 4-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Bryan generated several opportunities during the opening 45 minutes.
Carson Haiflich recorded the Lions' first attempt in the sixth minute, while goalkeeper
Santiago Morales pushed forward and had a pair of shots blocked.
Grey Davies nearly put Bryan on the board in the 25th minute, but his attempt was cleared away with a defensive save.
The Phoenix added to their advantage early in the second half as Adrian Jogerst scored in the 49th minute. Barbakadze completed his hat trick in the 57th minute before Cumberland added two late goals to close out the 8-0 final.
Despite facing consistent pressure from the Cumberland attack, Morales turned in a busy night in goal for the Lions. The Bryan keeper played all 90 minutes and recorded
10 saves against 18 shots on goal. Cumberland finished with a 22-6 advantage in total shots and an 18-2 edge in shots on goal. Bryan's two shots on frame came from
Josh Hernandez and Davies.
Hernandez produced Bryan's best opportunity of the second half, putting an attempt on target in the 53rd minute that was stopped by Cumberland goalkeeper Pau Gelabert.
Leo Campos also registered a shot for the Lions in the 80th minute.
Bryan will look to regroup following the challenging early-season matchup as the Lions continue their non-conference schedule. They will be on the road to UT Southern on Saturday
