LYNCHBURG, Va. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer was outgunned by Liberty University, 5-0, Sunday afternoon in Lynchburg, Virginia. The Screaming Eagles fall to 2-12-1 overall and 1-5-1 in the OVC, while the Flames go to 7-5-1, 5-2-0 OVC.
The loss keeps USI seventh in the OVC standings, two points behind Western Illinois University in the league playoff picture. The top six teams advance to the OVC Championship at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, November 10-16, in Edwardsville, Illinois.
The Flames ignited offensively in the first half, getting their first goal at 2:56 and the second at 21:56 to lead 2-0. Liberty had the first half advantage in shots, 13-9.
USI had chances during the first 45 minutes but could not find the back of the goal. Freshman midfielder Ahiro Nakamae, sophomore midfielder Will Kirchhofer, and sophomore forward Jackson Mitchell narrowly missed five chances on the Liberty goal.
In the second half, Liberty exploded for three more goals in posting the 5-0 final. USI did not have the opportunities in the second half to stay in the match after being outshot, 7-1, in the final 45 minutes. Junior forward Jaron Frye had the lone USI shot in the second half.
NEXT UP FOR USI:
The Eagles finish a three-match road swing October 26 when they visit Eastern Illinois University for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
The EIU Panthers started the day 1-10-1 and 0-6-0 in the OVC before playing at Western Illinois University later Sunday. EIU enters Sunday’s match versus WIU on a seven-match losing streak.
USI took the season’s first meeting with EIU, 2-1, September 29 at Strassweg Field. Sophomore forward Jackson Mitchell gave USI the opening lead in the first half, while senior defender Brock Martindale scored the game-winner late in the second half.
Following the road swing, USI’s final home match of the season is October 31 when it hosts SIUE at 6 p.m. The Eagles finish the 2024 regular season November 3 at Linde
