EVANSVILLE, Ind.– University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer secured its third consecutive result, earning a 2-2 draw with Liberty University on Thursday afternoon at Strassweg Field.
Thursday’s draw marks the first time the Screaming Eagles have recorded three straight results since the 2021 season. Sophomore forward David Davila scored two late second-half goals, bringing the game even for the result.
Liberty opened the game hot, taking the lead 4:28 into the match. The Eagles’ defense held strong the rest of the half, despite Liberty’s eight shots with three on goal. USI was limited to one offensive opportunity through the first 45, as Davila recorded the team’s lone shot on goal in the seventh minute.
At the half, USI trailed 1-0 despite getting outshot eight to one and three to one on goal. Freshman goalkeeper Jacob English nabbed two saves through the first half.
The second half started like the first, with Liberty scoring four minutes in to take a two-goal lead. The Eagles’ offensive struggles continued late into the match, until the team was awarded a penalty in the 67th minute. Davila stepped up to take the shot, sneaking it past the goalkeeper for his first goal of the match.
Following the first goal, USI’s offense sprang to life, applying pressure on Liberty’s back line. The pressure culminated in Davila’s second goal of the game, assisted by freshman defender Chase Smith off a free kick from beyond the midfield line.
Liberty made a final push in the closing minutes, but the USI defense held strong, stifling the attacks. Liberty got one past English in the final minute, but had the goal recalled due to a Liberty player being offside.
For the game, USI had three players record shots, with Davila recording the most, at four. Sophomore Ahiro Nakamae and freshman Edin Cvorovic each tallied a shot on goal. English finished the game with eight saves, compared to the Flames’ goalkeepers’ three.
Thursday’s draw marks the first time the Screaming Eagles have recorded three straight results since the 2021 season. Sophomore forward David Davila scored two late second-half goals, bringing the game even for the result.
Liberty opened the game hot, taking the lead 4:28 into the match. The Eagles’ defense held strong the rest of the half, despite Liberty’s eight shots with three on goal. USI was limited to one offensive opportunity through the first 45, as Davila recorded the team’s lone shot on goal in the seventh minute.
At the half, USI trailed 1-0 despite getting outshot eight to one and three to one on goal. Freshman goalkeeper Jacob English nabbed two saves through the first half.
The second half started like the first, with Liberty scoring four minutes in to take a two-goal lead. The Eagles’ offensive struggles continued late into the match, until the team was awarded a penalty in the 67th minute. Davila stepped up to take the shot, sneaking it past the goalkeeper for his first goal of the match.
Following the first goal, USI’s offense sprang to life, applying pressure on Liberty’s back line. The pressure culminated in Davila’s second goal of the game, assisted by freshman defender Chase Smith off a free kick from beyond the midfield line.
Liberty made a final push in the closing minutes, but the USI defense held strong, stifling the attacks. Liberty got one past English in the final minute, but had the goal recalled due to a Liberty player being offside.
For the game, USI had three players record shots, with Davila recording the most, at four. Sophomore Ahiro Nakamae and freshman Edin Cvorovic each tallied a shot on goal. English finished the game with eight saves, compared to the Flames’ goalkeepers’ three.
USI Men’s Soccer closes its four-game homestand on Sunday as it welcomes Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville to Strassweg Field. Kickoff for the match is set for 5 p.m. Admission to the game is free thanks to ProRehab, and can also be viewed with an ESPN+ Subscription.
