Goals from Bornkamp & Bagdady preserve Liberty unbeaten streak
Greenville, SC (May 25,2022) – The Greenville Liberty SC rode two second half goals to extend their unbeaten streak to open the season, securing a 2-1 road win against the North Carolina Fusion on Wednesday night. The team currently leads the South Atlantic Division with an unblemished 3-0-0 record.
The Greenville Liberty faced a quick turnaround playing away at NC Fusion, with the road trip coming just five days after their home opener last Friday. A road environment with challenging field conditions led to a slower start from the Liberty than their previous two matches. Though Greenville held possession most of the half, the NC Fusion was the first to strike, scoring in the 28th minute after a misstep by Greenville’s goalkeeper left an open net for the Fusion. The Liberty combined with veracity around the North Carolina side in the final minutes of the first half, but the score remained unchanged at the midway point with Fusion ahead 1-0.
Following the halftime break, Greenville returned to the pitch hungry for a goal. After ten minutes of threatening around the box, Clemson center back, Megan Bornkamp answered the call, tying the match 1-1.
Halfway through the final 45 minutes, Greenville goalkeeper Katelyn Kellogg stifled a potentially dangerous free kick in the 18-yard box to keep the teams even. Once again, Greenville resumed the attack in search for that go-ahead goal. In the 82nd minute, Christian Brathwaite played a deadly ball to split the Fusion backline, finding Bailey Manfredi’s feet. Manfredi cut a cross back inside the 6-yard-box for Grace Bagdady, who skillfully flicked the ball past the Fusion defender and keeper, giving Greenville the lead, 2-1. Greenville commanded the final minutes of play, securing the match and adding three points to their record.
The Greenville Liberty have another short week ahead, hitting the road again Memorial Day in Asheville, NC. They return home on June 3rd, against Asheville City SC at 7:00 pm.
