Liberty Tops Gardner-Webb 2-1

Marko Mitrevski and Micheal Catanzarite each scored first half goals, as the Liberty Flames won their home opener 2-1 over the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs, Tuesday evening at Osborne Stadium.

Controlling possession during most of the first half, Liberty broke through for the game’s first goal, when Mitrevski netted his first of the season on a penalty kick during the 37^th minute. Less than four minutes later, freshman Michael Catanzarite scored his first collegiate goal to give the Flames a 2-0 advantage.

In the second half, Liberty continued its pressure on Gardner-Webb goalkeeper Mallel Rios, only to see the junior make several saves to keep the Bulldogs within striking distance on the scoreboard.

With less than seven minutes left in the match, Gardner-Webb closed to within one on a penalty kick, but the Flames’ defense held the rest of the way to seal the victory.

Winners of back-to-back contests, Liberty moves to 2-3 on the year. Gardner-Webb drops to 1-5.

Scoring Summary

37’ – LIBERTY – Marko Mitrevski (Penalty kick)

41’ – LIBERTY – Michael Catanzarite (Assisted by Gora Gora)

84’ – GWU – Ryan Madondo (Penalty kick)

Turning Point

After Gardner-Webb cut Liberty’s advantage to one, Liberty goalkeeper Richard Franzen, making his first college start, made a big save which kept the score at 2-1. Bulldog Ryan Madondo, who had four shots in the contest, sent a header towards the near right post during the 86^th minute. Franzen stepped up and made a diving stop of the attempt to preserve the Flames lead.

Key Stats & Notes

· Liberty doubled Gardner-Webb in shots 14-7 and held a 9-3 advantage on shots on goal.

· The Flames also held a 6-2 edge in corner kicks.

· Liberty goalkeeper Franzen recorded two saves, one in each half, in his first collegiate start. Rios made seven saves in the match, including five in the second half to keep the Flames from expanding their advantage.

· Freshman Gora Gora recorded the first point of his college career. The Liberty forward drew an assist on Michael Catanzarite’s goal.

· The contest was Liberty’s home opener. The Flames went 4-1-0 at Osborne Stadium during the abbreviated 2021 Spring season.

Up Next

The Flames will open ASUN Conference play at Stetson on Saturday evening. Match time at the Stetson Athletics Center Field is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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Team Stats

Marko Mitrevski

Michael Catanzarite

Gora Gora

Noah Holmes