BOX SCORE (PDF)
RADFORD, Va. – Iyiola Awosika's (London, England / Aylesbury Grammar) third goal of the season proved to be the difference as Radford edged Liberty 1-0 in Big South men's soccer action Saturday evening at Cupp Stadium.
Playing in their home / conference opener, the Highlanders improve to 2-2-1 overall and 1-0-0 in the league, while the Flames fall to 3-2-1 and 0-1-1.
“Liberty was a very strong Big South opponent with talented players,” said Radford head coach
Marc Reeves. “They were extremely well-coached and a tough team to begin the conference schedule against.”
The eventual game-winner came following a
Bernardo Ulmo (Sao Paulo, Brazil / South Kent) free kick, when Awosika collected a poor Liberty clear and found the lower left net for his 12th career goal.
“I was proud of how our players kept working, and because of that, we got a good result in front of a great home crowd,” Reeves said.
With a minute left before intermission, Radford had one of several opportunities to put the first mark on the board.
Anthony Payne (Manassas, Va. / Osbourn Park) took one touch on an over the top ball, flicked it off the side of his foot, lobbing it just over frame.
In the 51st minute, Awosika appeared to net the go-ahead goal, but was called offside on a through ball.
Awosika had another chance just before his difference maker when he played a ball around a Flame defender at midfield and got a break on the nearside. His shot from inside the box was hit directly at the keeper.
Both teams finished with 12 shots, while Liberty held the advantage in corner kicks, 7-4.
“We need to continue to improve and build on the atmosphere Cupp Stadium provides us. We are thankful to crowd, especially the #9 RU Soccer Club for their support,” commented Reeves.
Ryan Taylor (Midlothian, Va. / Midlothian) finished with four saves en route to his fourth career shutout, while Paul Gilbert stopped five shot attempts for the Flames.
Radford will enjoy a week break before entertaining in-state foe Longwood at 6 p.m. on September 25.
