Christian Brathwaite, Julie Mackin both net goals in 3-2 loss at NC Fusion
Greensboro, N.C. (July 2nd, 2023) – The Greenville Liberty SC fell to the NC Fusion 3-2 in a competitive match for its 2023 season finale. The Liberty finished its second USL W League season 3-9-0 in the South Atlantic division.
Unable to finish their earlier match against the NC Fusion on May 2nd due to weather, the Liberty met the opposing squad in Greensboro, N.C for the second time. After an initial surge in the first seconds of play that nearly granted Greenville its first goal, the S.C. side fell into rhythm. Shortly after, Christian Brathwaite lofted a powerful shot at the net. With great force, the ball deflected off a defender and beyond the NCF goalkeeper as the Liberty took a 1-0 lead.
Greenville struggled to penetrate the North Carolina 18-yard box after several rough plays at the top of the box as the half drew to a close. In stoppage time, NCF made a final draw at the goal but Greenville goalkeeper, Georgia Kantsonouri made a diving save to keep a clean sheet and 1-0 lead.
Early in the second half, Greenville fended off the Fusion offense when second-half sub, Grace Workman saved multiple shots. The march changed when NCF ushered on a set of attacking subs that notched two back-to-back goals for the home side. In the 71st minute a Greenville and Fusion player went down in the box and it resulted in a penalty for NCF, and a 3-1 lead. Relentless, Greenville’s Julie Mackin refused to quit and in the 90th minute tallied the last Liberty goal of the season, to end the match 3-2.
The Greenville Liberty will resume play next summer in the USL W League for its third season. Season ticket memberships and other news will be released available in the coming weeks. Be the first to know by signing up for the Liberty Newsletter and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!
