Men’s soccer beats Marshall University in the game’s final seconds

• Flames come back to beat Marshall University after losing to them in overtime the previous two times the teams had played.
• A strong defensive performance from the Flames contributed to the victory.

 

The last two times Liberty men’s soccer faced Marshall University, the Flames lost both games in overtime. Tuesday, Oct. 17, the Flames finally got payback when they shocked the Thundering Herd by scoring in the final 42 seconds of the game to defeat Marshall 1-0.

 

Liberty senior midfielder Pepe Segarra scored the winning shot off of an assist from freshman forward Mattew Zaczyk and sophomore forward Tresor Mbuyu. Segarra got the ball 40 yards deep in Liberty’s side of the field, and when the shot opened, he drove the ball into the back of the net.

 

Segarra said he thought it was a well-developed goal, especially as the team was on the verge of a tie.

 

Liberty almost scored earlier in the game when Zaczyk took a shot from the right side of the box, but Marshall’s keeper Ben Martinez managed to tip the ball, forcing it to slow down as it nearly rolled into the net, before Marshall’s defender charged the box to clear the shot from the goal line, keeping the game tied 0-0.

 

“We thought the goal was coming, but really our will was greater than our skill,” coach Jeff Alder said. “Our guys were trying to find a way to win the game and we broke. We told the boys we have to find a way to beat this group.”

 

Alder said one of Marshall’s forwards is one of the top in the country, and Liberty’s defense managed to keep him away from the net all game long.

 

“Our guys dug in, defended well and had some good chances to win the game,” Alder said.

 

Alder also said Marshall was coming in with high energy after defeating Kentucky, who was ranked 21st in the country.

 

“We need to outwork them” was written on the men’s soccer board before the game. Alder knew it was going to be a tough match, but one that was possible for the boys to come out on top. The Flames were determined to get their fourth win in a row.

 

Liberty’s keeper James Knoebel saved three shots, whereas Marshall’s keeper saved five. The game ended with only six shots from Marshall and Liberty taking 12.

 

Liberty was on a three-game winning streak, now up to four. Their momentum is building for the upcoming games. Marshall was the last non-conference game Liberty would host for the rest of the season.

 

The Flames will look to continue their win streak Wednesday, Oct. 25, against High Point University in North Carolina. The Flames will also return to Osborne Stadium for senior day Saturday Oct. 28, against Winthrop University.