Liberty University
4-4
Florida Gulf Coast
4-4
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| FGCU | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Liberty | 0 | 0 | 0 |
FGCU Snaps Liberty's 4-Game Win Streak, Friday
9/16/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
The Liberty women's soccer team looked to add to its four-game win streak, Friday afternoon at Osborne Stadium, when it hosted FGCU (4-4). Despite Liberty (4-4) having chances early on, the Eagles received a goal deep into the second period from forward Tabby Tindell to escape with the 1-0 victory.
Redshirt midfielder Paulina Speckmaier earned the assist on Tindell's goal. FGCU outshot Liberty in the contest, 17-7, and held a 7-4 advantage on corner kicks.
Liberty goalkeeper Holly Van Noord finished the contest with five saves, moving to No. 2 on the program's all-time list with 341 career stops. Eagles' netminder Melissa Weck picked up her fourth shutout victory of the season, making two saves.
Liberty's best two chances at a goal occurred in the opening 10 minutes. Sixty one seconds into the contest, junior forward Isabella Habuda received a ball on the goal line. However, the Louisville transfer's ensuing shot sailed wide of the net.
Later in the 10th minute, forward and reigning two-time Big South Freshman of the Week Gabrielle Farrell created space inside the 18-yard box, booting an attempt from 10 yards out. Unfortunately, the shot went right into the hands of Weck, keeping the contest scoreless.
FGCU answered with four shots on goal in the remainder of the half. Van Noord made key stops during the period, diving and deflecting attempts from Ali Rogers, Tindell and Speckmaier. Rogers' second shot on goal in the 44th minute allowed Van Noord to surpass former teammate Karen Blocker (2008-12, 339 saves) on the all-time saves list. Tindell tried once more to put the Eagles ahead with 14 seconds left in the stanza, but the ball was blocked by a Liberty defender to keep the contest scoreless at halftime.
In the second period, FGCU increased the pressure, taking 12 shots in the frame compared to Liberty's four. Van Noord made her fifth and final save in the 58th minute, thwarting an attempt from Emile Olsen.
The Eagles got the board at the top of the 77th minute thanks to a play set up by Speckmaier. Located at the midfield line, the redshirt senior sent a pass over to Tindell on the left side. With room to run, Tindell infiltrated the 18-yard box on the far side a chipped a 10-yard shot into the back of the net, ultimately setting up the 1-0 final.
The Lady Flames hit the road again for a clash with VCU on Sunday. Last season, Liberty hosted the Rams, winning the contest in overtime thanks to a golden goal by Madison Kauzlarich (Sept. 13, 2015). Game time for Sunday's meeting in Richmond, Va., is slated for 6 p.m.
Team Stats
TINDELL, Tabby (5)
Assisted By: SPECKMAIER, Paulina
* Ball played from midifeld to 25, takes
76:01
