Liberty University
4-3
George Washington
6-1
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Liberty | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Liberty Defeats Previously Unbeaten George Washington, 2-0
9/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
The Liberty women's soccer team put together one of its best performances of the season, Sunday afternoon at Osborne Stadium, defeating previously undefeated George Washington, 2-0.
The freshmen tandem of Gabrielle Farrell and Sierra Lam struck again for the second consecutive Sunday. Farrell, the reigning Big South Freshman of the Week, posted the game-winning goal in the 62nd minute off an assist from Lam. Junior forward Isabella Habuda also found the back of the net for the second time this season, courtesy of a Farrell helper.
The Liberty defense stood firm throughout the contest, holding George Washington's leading scorer Mackenzie Cowley (six goals) scoreless. Redshirt senior goalkeeper and Big South Defensive Player of the Week Holly Van Noord collected one save for her 36th career shutout, adding to her school and conference record.
Colonials' netminder Miranda Horn made five saves on the day. The redshirt senior entered the contest as one of eight goalkeepers in the country without a goal allowed in 2016.
With the win, Liberty moves to 4-3, earning its fourth straight victory. George Washington falls to 6-1 overall and 3-2 in the all-time series with Liberty. The Colonials were listed among those receiving votes in the NSCAA Coaches Poll this week after defeating then No. 17 Arkansas, 1-0, last Sunday.
During the contest, Liberty outshot the Colonials, 14-4, with the visitors holding a 4-2 edge on corner kicks.
Early in the first half, Cowley created a one-versus-one situation with Van Noord midway through the sixth minute. However, the chance sailed high over the net to keep the Colonials off the board.
Van Noord made her lone save in the 15th minute, thwarting an attempt from Brittany Cooper. On the other end, Horn stopped shots from Farrell (21st minute) and Habuda (29th minute) to eventually set up a scoreless stalemate at halftime.
Liberty got off to a fast start in the second period with back-to-back shots on goal by Lam and junior defender Jordan Kestel during the 51st minute, resulting in two more saves for Horn.
Farrell's second goal of the season came in the 62nd minute. Lam set up the play with a pass into the middle of the box for Farrell. The Langhorne, Penn., native fired a shot past Horn from about 10 yards out, placing the ball firmly in the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.
Following the eventual game-winning marker, Farrell paid it forward in the 86th minute. Shortly after crossing midfield, the freshman sent a pass into the right side of the box for Habuda. With just Horn standing in her way, Habuda drilled the ball into the left corner, ultimately securing the 2-0 final.
Liberty returns to Osborne Stadium on Friday, hosting Florida Gulf Coast at 4 p.m. The matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the squads and will stream live on the Liberty Flames Sports Network and the Big South Network.
Team Stats
FARRELL, Gabrielle (2)
Assisted By: LAM, Sierra
* Pass into box for 8, tapped into back
61:40
HABUDA, Isabella (2)
Assisted By: FARRELL, Gabrielle
* Pass to right side of box to 31, drill
85:03
