Dwyer, Jacobs net goals, but defense concedes hat trick to Fusion’s Tori Paul in Loss
Greenville, SC (May 16, 2023)- The Greenville Liberty Soccer Club fell 3-2 to the North Carolina Fusion in a weather-shortened match at Paladin Stadium on Tuesday night. Both clubs showcased their offensive prowess in a back-and-forth match before severe weather moved into the area in the 73rd minute, ultimately calling the match after an hour-plus of weather delays.
The Greenville Liberty’s second match of the season took place just four days after its 2-0 Season Opening shutout on May 12th. The home side began the match with a revised lineup from Friday that was highlighted by a change in goal. Ten minutes into the match, Liberty forward Autumn Cayelli dribbled through two defenders to get off a left-footed rocket shot that pinged the crossbar. The ball quickly rebounded back into the Fusion 18-yard box and Furman alumnus, Molly Dwyer knocked it in for a Liberty lead. The Fusion reacted promptly to the score change and settled in for the night as they slowly crept up the field. After a third consecutive corner attempt in the 20th minute, the North Carolina team eventually got a head on the ball and tied the match, 1-1. Seven minutes later, a defensive error put the Liberty under pressure again. Greenville goalkeeper, Georgia Katsonouri came up with the block on an initial attempt, but was a step too late for the rebound as the Fusion took a 2-1 lead, they would carry in to the break.
Following numerous missed opportunities in the first half Greenville, launched into a full-fledged offensive assault. A trio of new substitutions breathed life into the Liberty when Allanah Blye, Gabriela Gonzalez and Alexah Fite took the field. A Liberty throw close to the corner flag pinballed headers between players before Sarah Jacobs brought the ball down with her chest to a volley and into the net for a highlight-reel goal. Now even 2-2, the Liberty continued to advance forward but got caught out of position when a long Fusion ball bypassed the Greenville backline. Center back, Haley Schueppert shut down the first effort but NCF midfielder, Tori Paul delivered a wide-open shot over Blye’s head to put Fusion back in front. Just after Fusion took the 3-2 lead, severe weather entered the area and sent the match into a delay. After over an hour, the match was called in favor of the visiting side.
The Liberty travel to its first away match this Friday at Wake FC for a 4:30 PM kickoff, then hit the road again on May 24th against the Charlotte Independence. Greenville returns to Paladin Stadium on May 30th for a rematch against Wake FC at 7:30 PM. Tickets are on sale now.
