By Dustin Semore
FHU Sports Information Director
The 2023 campaign of the Freed-Hardeman University Lions soccer team came to a conclusion Friday in the quarterfinal round of the Mid-South Conference tournament, falling to the Phoenix of Cumberland (Tenn.) University 7-0.
The Lions (7-9-2) put up a strong fight until the 14th minute, when a foul in the box provided an opportunity for the hosting Phoenix to net their first goal by way of a penalty kick. Thabo Mahlaha rocketed a shot at 33:23 that hit the crossbar, settling at the feet of Avery Flener – whose shot was stopped by the CU keeper. The Lions sent four shots toward the net in the first half, with two being on target.
After scoring four goals in the first half, Cumberland (10-4-3) would tally three more in the second frame, while the Lions were able to get one shot off in the back 45 minutes.
Between the pipes, Omer Shifris grabbed six saves in the loss.
