EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana dropped its Ohio Valley Conference opener 6-1 to Liberty University Saturday afternoon in Lynchburg, Virginia.
The Screaming Eagles struggled early but came alive late, as freshman midfielder Tony Murphy put the team on the board in the 74th minute. Murphy’s goal broke the team’s scoreless streak that started at the 83:37 mark against Indiana University Indianapolis on September 6.
The Flames came out of the gate firing, scoring four goals in the first half. Including a first-half hat trick from Liberty senior Zach Lifferth, scoring the first three goals of the match at 6:03, 20:21, and 28:07.
Liberty added its fourth goal in the 34th minute, continuing the offensive barrage of the first half. The Eagles finished the first 45 trailing 13-0 in shots and 9-0 in shots on goal. The Liberty forced five first-half corner kicks compared to USI’s one.
In the second half, the Eagles improved on both sides of the ball despite Liberty scoring in the 70th minute. USI’s offense fought back late in the game, as Murphy snuck one past the goalkeeper at 73:30 for the teams lone goal. Liberty’s final push came in the 81st minute scoring their sixth goal, giving them a five goal lead that would hold through the end of the match.
For the game, the Eagles tallied five shots, three on goal, compared to Liberty’s 27 shots with 16 on goal. Freshman defender Joaquin d’Escoto and freshman forward Edin Cvorovic each recorded a shot on goal, while freshman goalkeeper Jacob English grabbed a season high 10 saves.
Who needs a full 6-goal comeback when you can have a single late-game insurance goal, eh? The Eagles showed some fight, but man, that first half offensive output from Liberty was something else – Lifferths hat trick wasnt even the highlight of the showing! USIs shots were about as scarce as a Screaming Eagle sighting at a Flames game. Still, points for trying, and Murphy getting on the board late gives the fans something to scream about next time. Just maybe pack a few more shots next time, team!watermark remove ai
Whoa, talk about a start! Those Flames really lit a fire on the half-hour mark, didnt they? Zach Lifferth looked like hed stolen the show with that quick hat trick – maybe he was just warmed up? USI fought hard, though, with Tony Murphy finally getting the team on the board late. Good to see the offense stir towards the end, even if it wasnt quite enough to turn the tables. Five shots all game for the Eagles? Seems like theyll need a bit more firepower next time to keep up with that offensive machine from Liberty! #GoEagles #OVC #NeedMoreShotsmetal injection molding
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