Liberty University
1-4-1
Pittsburgh
5-1-1
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIBERTY | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Pitt | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Second-Half Surge Puts Pitt Over Liberty
9/10/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
In search of its second win of the season, the Liberty women's soccer team squared off with ACC member Pittsburgh at Ambrose Urbanic Field, Thursday night. Despite a first-half goal by senior defender Jaime Bouffard, the Panthers answered with a pair of markers in the second for the 2-1 win.
With the defeat, Liberty falls to 1-4-1 on the season, while Pitt improves to 5-1-1 in 2015. The Panthers lead the series versus Liberty, 2-0.
Taylor Pryce and Juliana Vazquez each netted a goal for the home team. Ashley Moreira and Alli Higgs were credited with an assist on the goal by Pryce.
Senior midfielder Brittany Aanderud earned the assist on Bouffard's marker, tying her for second on Liberty's all-time career points list with Silvia Betancourt (55, 2008-2011).
Liberty goalkeeper Holly Van Noord finished the contest with six saves, while Pitt's Taylor Francis concluded the night with four stops.
Pitt outshot Liberty 18-6 in the contest and held a 5-3 advantage on corner kicks.
Sophomore forward Jennifer Knoebel tried to put the Lady Flames on the board early with a low shot in the sixth minute. Francis corralled the attempt to keep the contest scoreless.
Van Noord displayed her netminding prowess, as well, stopping a shot by Jerena Harmon. Van Noord's two-handed deflection just before the 23rd minute kept the Panthers off the board.
Liberty lit up the scoreboard in the 31st minute thanks in part to a corner kick by Aanderud. The midfielder sent the ball directly in front of the goal frame. Bouffard managed to pick up the loose ball in the skirmish and punched it in from close range for the 1-0 lead. Bouffard's marker was her first of the season.
Van Noord concluded the opening period with three saves, including a stop in the final 23 seconds, allowing the Lady Flames to hold onto its advantage at halftime.
During the second period, Pitt looked to control the tempo, outshooting Liberty, 13-3. The Panthers' relentless pressure opened the door for their first goal in the 59th minute. Pryce separated herself from the Liberty defense, creating a one-on-one scenario between her and Van Noord. The forward placed the ball into the right corner to knot the contest at 1-1.
Liberty switched the momentum back in its favor during 77th minute. The Lady Flames made an impressive run down the field creating a 3-on-2 situation. Knoebel led the charge, flicking a pass from the right side to Weygandt. The freshman booted a shot at the left post, but Francis dove to stop Liberty from gaining an advantage.
Pitt gained the lead midway through the 80th minute, capitalizing on a free kick. Vazquez launched the ball from 25 yards out on the set play, sneaking it beside the left post for the 2-1 advantage. Pitt held off the Lady Flames' attack for the final 10:27 to pick up the victory.
Liberty returns to Osborne Stadium on Sunday to play host to VCU. Game time is slated for 2 p.m., with the contest set to stream live on the Liberty Flames Sports Network and the Big South Network.
Team Stats
BOUFFARD, Jaime (1)
Assisted By: AANDERUD, Brittany
GOAL by LIBERTY BOUFFARD, Jaime (FIRST GOAL), Assist by AANDERUD, Brittany, goal number 1 for season.
37:25
Taylor Pryce (3)
Assisted By: Ashley Moreira , Alli Higgs
Pryce brought ball inside goal box, beat
58:28
Juliana Vazquez (2)
free kick, left post
79:33
