Roberson scores, but Liberty loses 3-1 to division leaders
Greenville, SC (May 31, 2024) – The Greenville Liberty fell to Tennessee SC on Friday night at Paladin Stadium. A second-half scoring frenzy allowed Tennessee to take control, leading to a 3-1 victory for the away side. With the loss, Liberty dropped to 1-2-1 in the season, with their sole win coming in the team’s season opener.
Tennessee positioned itself with opportunities to score early in the match. In the 26th minute, they pierced through the Greenville defense, creating an opportunity in the box. However, the Liberty’s goalkeeper, Henley Grunst, showcased her reflexes by swiftly sliding out to deny Tennessee a clear shot on goal, maintaining the deadlock.
As the first half progressed, Greenville’s defense momentarily faltered in the 41st minute, allowing Madeline Padelski of TSC to capitalize on a defensive lapse. Padelski seized the chance, unleashing a thunderous strike that left Grunst diving to her right as the ball nestled into the back of the net, giving Tennessee the 1-0 lead just before halftime.
Undeterred by the setback, the Liberty fought back ferociously early in the second half. In the 54th minute, Cambelle Roberson found herself in a promising position at the top of the six-yard box and placed a beautiful shot in the lower right corner, leveling the score line.
However, Tennessee refused to relent. In the 68th minute, Padelski again proved to be a thorn in Greenville’s side as she notched her second goal with a delicate header following a bobbled cross in front of the Liberty’s goal.
The momentum firmly in their favor, Tennessee capitalized on a defensive error by Greenville just two minutes later. Grunst, momentarily caught off her line, provided Brenlin Mullaney with an open goal, which she duly exploited to extend Tennessee’s lead to 3-1. The home side regained its composure after the scoring blitz but were unable to rally against the two-goal deficit as the Liberty fell 3-1.
Greenville will quickly turn their attention to Sunday and the second of three matches across a five-day span when they face Southern Soccer Academy on the road in a rescheduled match. The Liberty will return to Paladin Stadium on Tuesday, June 4th for an immediate rematch against SSA, where they will look to get back in the win column.
