Heartbreaker in Home Opener


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The Lady Flames fell to the UNCG Spartans on a heartbreaking goal in the last minutes.

The Lady Flames fell to the UNCG Spartans on a heartbreaking goal in the last minutes. Photo credit: Leah Seavers

The Lady Flames soccer team fell in its season opener against the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) Spartans Tuesday evening, 0-1 in the final two minutes of the game.

With the loss, Liberty’s record dropped to 1-1 on the season after the season-opener victory over Old Dominion. UNCG was able to improve to 1-2 after two straight losses.

Both teams appeared to be evenly matched for most of the contest, taking 13 shots apiece. The teams played a back-and-forth first half, heading into halftime with a score of 0-0.

The Lady Flames had their best shot attempt come from junior midfielder Brittany Aanderud near the 20-minute mark. Aanderud added four more attempts throughout the contest.

Maddie Boone, Liberty senior and the Big South Defensive Player of the Week, enjoyed being back in front of the home crowd and felt good about the team’s overall performance.

“There’s definitely things that we get to see in this game and get to work on,” Boone said. “We had a solid game, I think, as a team.”

Holly Van Noord, Liberty sophomore goalkeeper, recorded three saves. UNCG redshirt freshman Chloe Buehler also picked up three saves while earning her first shutout of the season.

Liberty will look to bounce back against Appalachian State Saturday, Aug. 31. Photo credit: Leah Seavers

Liberty will look to bounce back against Appalachian State Saturday, Aug. 31. Photo credit: Leah Seavers

Three freshmen were able to start and contribute for the Lady Flames, including freshman forward Jennifer Knoebel. In her first home performance, she contributed two shot attempts.

“I think I could work on my defense and mobility, just switching from offense and defense quicker and making smarter runs going toward the ball,” Knoebel said.

Lady Flames Head Coach Jessica Hain expressed satisfaction with Knoebel’s efforts.

“Jen Knoebel gives us a lot of speed and strength,” Hain said. “She’s a sophisticated player and she plays simple. I thought she did a good job and she’s learning quickly as she comes in as a freshman and plays immediately.”

Both squads picked up the pace as they headed into the second period. UNCG took nine of their 13 shots in the latter half, and they were able to beat the Lady Flames in corner kicks, 7-2.

The last-minute goal came as a shocker for Liberty, as UNCG was able to overwhelm the Lady Flames defense with one final breakaway. In the 88th minute, UNCG forward Chesney White stripped her defender and went in for the one-on-one goal.

“I thought our girls played well,” Hain said. “There’s a lot to learn. We’re not satisfied with a loss, and we’ll continue to push.”

The Lady Flames hope to look to past this heartbreaker and improve in their next match at Appalachian State Saturday, Aug. 31. The two teams have not met since 2010, with Liberty winning the last contest 4-1. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

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