Liberty University
1-0-0, 0-0-0
Radford
0-1-0, 0-0-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radford | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Liberty | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Liberty Rolls to 3-0 Win in Season Opener
8/25/2022 10:44:00 PM | Men's Soccer
The Liberty Flames opened their 2022 campaign with a 3-0 victory over the Radford Highlanders, Thursday evening at Osborne Stadium.
The Flames got on the scoreboard for the first time in 2022 on a penalty kick by midfielder Marko Mitrevski late in the first half and then netted two more in the second half in the victory. Forward Luke Eberle and freshman Bryce Swinehart each scored in the second half for the Flames.
Liberty's defense held Radford to five shots on the evening, allowing goalkeepers Danny Cordero and Blake Frazen to record a shutout.
Scoring Summary
44' – LIBERTY – Marko Mitrevski (Penalty Kick)
62' – LIBERTY – Luke Eberle (Assisted by Jack Fasteen)
79' – LIBERTY – Bryce Swinehart (Assisted by Brandt Betts and Michael Huss)
Turning Point
With time running out in the first half, Mitrevski inserted the ball into the center of the 18-yard box for fellow midfielder Gora Gora. The midfielder beat his defender but was pulled down, giving the Flames' a penalty kick. Mitrevski took the kick and beat the Radford keeper with a strike to the upper right corner of the net for a 1-0 Liberty advantage heading into intermission.
The Flames then put the game out of reach during the 62nd minute. Jack Fasteen gained the box and fired a shot which was blocked down by Highlander goalkeeper Bryceland Peacock. The deflection roll out to the center of the six-yard box where Eberle pounced on the ball and ripped a shot into the back of the net for a 2-0 Liberty advantage.
Key Stats & Notes
- Liberty moves to 3-1 in season openers under head coach Kelly Findley and is 9-1 in openers since 2013.
- Liberty has met Radford on the soccer field more than any other program in school history. The Flames now hold a 26-20-8 mark all-time and have won the last four meetings between the two teams.
- The Flames outshot the Highlanders, 12-5, in the contest. Radford held a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.
- Liberty's Danny Cordero did not need to make a save during the first 45 minutes of the contest. Blake Franzen recorded one save in the second half in the Flames' net. Radford's Peacock made three saves in the game.
- Swinehart records his first collegiate goal in his first collegiate game.
Next Up
The Flames will travel to College Park, Md., for their first road contest of 2022. Liberty will face No. 20 Maryland at Ludwig Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Team Stats
Marko Mitrevski
LIB Marko Mitrevski PENALTY KICK GOAL.
43:53
Luke Eberle (1)
Assisted By: Jack Fasteen
Shot by 12 deflects on save to 10 for score
61:36
Bryce Swinehart (1)
Assisted By: Michael Huss , Brandt Betts
Pushed to left corner - cross into center
78:12
