Liberty University
2-1-1, 1-0-0
Bellarmine
2-2-1, 0-1-0
Liberty Scores Late for 2-0 Victory over Bellarmine
9/10/2022 5:15:00 PM | Men's Soccer
The Liberty Flames solved a solid defensive effort by Bellarmine late in their first ASUN Conference match of the season, downing the Knights 2-0 on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Osborne Stadium.
On the attack for most of the afternoon, the Flames outshot 15-3 in the contest. However, it took a shot by midfielder Seth Clark during the 83rd minute from the top of the box to break the scoreless tie.
Two minutes later, the Flames put the game away, as Luke Eberle knocked a cross pass into the box by Gabe Findley.
The ASUN Conference opener for both teams, Liberty moves to 1-0 in conference and 2-1-1 overall. Bellarmine drops to 0-1 in ASUN play and 2-2-1 overall.
Scoring Summary)
82:56 – LIBERTY - Seth Clark (Assisted by Bryce Swinehart and Luke Eberle)
84:34 – LIBERTY – Luke Eberle (Assisted by Gabe Findley)
Turning Point
After several near misses throughout the contest, Liberty finally broke through for its first goal during the 83rd minute. Eberle moved along the left sideline and sent a pass to Bryce Swinehart. The defender found Clark at the top of the 18-yard box free in space. Clark ripped a shot that deflected off a defender and in for a 1-0 lead.
Key Stats & Notes
- For the first time in the four meetings between the two teams, a team won by more than one goal. The previous three matches were decided by one goal.
- Liberty's second shutout of the season, both at Osborne Stadium. The Flames opened their 2022 season with a 3-0 win over Radford on Aug. 25.
- Besides outshooting the Knights, 15-3, the Flames held 6-3 shots on goal advantage and a 5-1 edge on corners.
- Clark and Eberle each scored their second goal of the year in the contest.
- Eberle also had an assist and is now tied for the Liberty lead in points with Swinehart, who also had an assist in the contest.
- Flames goalkeeper Blake Franzen records his first shutout of 2022. He made three saves in the contest. Knights keeper Matthew Brozovich recorded four saves.
Next Up
Liberty hosts Davidson in a nonconference match at Osborne Stadium on Tuesday. The match time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Team Stats
Seth Clark (2)
Assisted By: Bryce Swinehart , Luke Eberle
ball pushed down side and played across top of box for shot
82:56
Luke Eberle (2)
Assisted By: Gabe Findley
run by 7 up left side - pushing cross into center of box - 10 knocks in with left foot
84:34
