Men’s Soccer Comes Out on Top Against the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs
The Liberty Flames men’s soccer team won its first home game of the season Sept. 14, defeating the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs 2-1 at Osborne Stadium.
The Flames’ offense started the game slow, and Head Coach Kelly Findley credited the Bulldogs goalkeeper Mallel Rios for keeping the Flames from scoring early.
“The team was a bit slow and tense at the start,” Findley said. “The goal keeper of the opposing team also was very difficult to overcome.”
The Flames finally broke into the scoring when team captain and midfielder Marko Mitrevski scored off a penalty kick with 8:35 left in the first half.
With 4:25 minutes left in the first half, freshman Michael Catanzarite netted his first collegiate goal to give the Flames a lead of 2-0 over Gardner-Webb to finish the first half.
Despite a dominant performance in the first half, the Flames lulled in the second half, allowing Gardner-Webb to score when Ryan Madondo netted a goal from a penalty kick.
“We gave the ball away in some bad spots,” Findley said about the team’s performance in the second half.
The defense for the Flames showed up big to help the team seal the victory. Richard Frazen made his first collegiate start at goalie and made an incredible save at the 86th minute. Madondo attempted a header near the right post, and Frazen made the save to prevent a tie at 2-2. The stop allowed the Flames to maintain their advantage and win the game 2-1.
The Flames enjoyed a shot advantage throughout the game, outshooting the Bulldogs 14-7. Liberty is now 2-3 on the season.
Findley expressed pleasure with his team’s performance.
“I feel the team has played well as a whole,” Findley said.
The Flames will look to continue their win streak against upcoming opponents George Washington, Elon and Duke. Mitrevski said the team will need to build on its experience to keep winning.
“We are looking forward now with gained experience into the game versus Stetson,” Mitrevski said.
The Flames will be back on the field Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. when they take on ASUN conference opponent Stetson in Deland, Florida.
Altamirano is a sports reporter.