Cumberland University Men's Soccer Coach Julian Lucumi Resigns Ahead of 2025 Season

Cumberland University, a private institution located in Lebanon, Tennessee, has made significant strides in its men's soccer program under the leadership of head coach Julian Lucumi. However, the university has now announced that Lucumi has resigned from his position ahead of the 2025 season. Despite his departure, Lucumi's legacy will be remembered for his contributions to the team's success. The Cumberland Men's Soccer program has experienced impressive growth under Lucumi's guidance, showcasing a strong offense and solid defense.

Key Takeaways:

  • Julian Lucumi resigned as head men's soccer coach at Cumberland University ahead of the 2025 season.
  • In his lone season as head coach, the team finished with a 12-6 overall record, showcasing one of the most dangerous offenses in the Mid-South Conference.
  • The Phoenix outscored opponents 61-20 and averaged 3.39 goals per match while holding opponents to just 1.11 goals per contest.
  • Senior forward Robbie Lyons led the attack, earning Second Team NAIA All-American and First Team All-Conference honors, while tallying 12 goals and 9 assists for a team-high 33 points.
  • The team had seven Mid-South Conference Players of the Week and finished with the most Academic All-Conference selections in the league.
  • Lucumi's journey at Cumberland began on the pitch, playing his senior season in 2018, and he helped lead the Phoenix to the 2018 Mid-South Conference Championship and an NAIA National Tournament appearance.
  • Lucumi worked as a volunteer assistant in 2021, contributing to player analytics, GPS tracking, and recruiting, and was hired as a full-time assistant in 2022, helping the Phoenix win the Mid-South Conference Tournament.

Statistics:

  • 2024 Season Record: 12-6 overall
  • Goals scored: 61
  • Goals against: 20
  • Goals per match: 3.39
  • Goals against per match: 1.11
  • Home record: 7-2
  • Shots: 307-187
  • Shots on target: 159-123
  • NAIA Top 25 rankings: ranked or receiving votes all season
  • Academic All-Conference selections: most in the league
  • Mid-South Conference Players of the Week: seven

Sources:

  • Source not explicitly provided in the original text, requires identification of the university's news release.