Liberty University
3-3-1, 1-0-0
Western Illinois
5-4-1, 0-1-0
Huss’ Hat Trick Highlights Liberty’s 7-1 Win Over Western Illinois
9/28/2024 11:15:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Huss, the Flames leading scorer, scored the match's first three goals. The senior netted the lone goal of the first half and then struck for goals six minutes apart between the 55th and 61st minute. He now leads the conference with seven goals.
After Western Illinois spoiled the shutout during the 67th minute, Liberty pulled away with four goals late. Spencer Moler, Bryce Swinehart and Matthew Torrell all scored for the Flames, while their final goal was an own goal.
Liberty starts OVC play 1-0 and evens its record at 3-3-1 on the season. Western Illinois sees its three-game win streak come to an end. The OVC newcomer Leathernecks drop to 0-1 in conference and 5-4-1 overall.
Scoring Summary
16:57 – LIBERTY – Michael Huss (Assisted by Skyler Stricker and Gabe Findley)
54:41 – LIBERTY – Michael Huss (Assisted by Leo Conneh and Aidan Morrison)
60:41 – LIBERTY – Michael Huss (Assisted by Tyee Allen and Gabe Findley)
66:07 – WIU – Liam Gainey (Assisted by Xavier Gagnon)
71:35 – LIBERTY – Spencer Moler (Assisted by Perry Blay and Gabe Findley)
75:54 – LIBERTY – Bryce Swinehart (Assisted by Leo Conneh)
86:53 – LIBERTY – Matthew Torrell (Assisted by Elijah John)
88:37 – LIBERTY – (OWN GOAL)
Key Stats & Notes
- Liberty outshot Western Illinois, 18-6. Fourteen of the Flames' shots were in the second half and 11 of their overall shot total were on goal.
- Liberty held an 8-3 advantage over Western Illinois in corner kicks.
- With three goals tonight, Huss has already eclipsed his career-high of five goals in a season he had last year. In addition, it is the fourth time in his career that he has scored two or more goals in a game.
- Moler's goal was the freshman's first collegiate goal.
- Swinehart and Torrell each netted his first goal of the season.
- Midfielder Gabe Findley, who entered the game second in the OVC in assists, had two in the game and now leads Liberty with five on the year.
- Forward Leo Conneh also had two assists in the contest and now has four for the season.
- Liberty goalkeeper Owen Moore recorded three saves over the full 90 minutes. Western Illinois split their goalkeeping duties. Alexis Michaud played the first half making two saves. Micah Ramirez took over in the second half and recorded six.
- Western Illinois played with 10 after the 64th minute due to a red card.
- It was the first-ever meeting between the two teams on the soccer field. The Flames and Leathernecks will meet again in Macomb, Ill., on Oct. 10.
Liberty embarks on a four-game road conference road trip. The trip begins on Thursday. The Flames will travel to San Antonio, Texas for a match against the Incarnate Word Cardinals. Match time is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST.
Hat trick for @MichaelHuss23! ??
— Liberty Men's Soccer (@LibertyMSoccer) September 29, 2024
Liberty 3 | Western Illinois 0 pic.twitter.com/eWz0AF3TBB
Team Stats
Michael Huss (7)
Assisted By: Skyler Stricker , Gabe Findley
Corner into center - pushed back into box - headed into top of net
16:57
Michael Huss (7)
Assisted By: Aidan Morrison
Pass to right sideline from midfield - sent into box for sliding shot
54:41
Michael Huss (7)
Assisted By: Tyee Allen , Gabe Findley
sent from middle of top of box to left sideline - cross into box for shot from left
60:41
Liam Gainey (5)
Assisted By: Xavier Gagnon
Sent over defenders from back - beat goal 1 v 1
66:07
Spencer Moler (1)
Assisted By: Perry Blay , Gabe Findley
Sent across from left side of box to center for shot
71:35
Bryce Swinehart (1)
Assisted By: Leo Conneh
GOAL by LIB Swinehart, Bryce Assist by Conneh, Leo.
75:54
Matthew Torrell (1)
Assisted By: Elijah John
Jumped on deflected pass for shot from 30 yards out
86:53
0
GOAL by LIB TEAM.
88:37
