Liberty University
14-3-4, 8-0-2
FGCU
12-5-2, 8-1-1
Liberty Falls on Penalty Kicks 4-3 in ASUN Championship Final
11/4/2022 10:17:29 PM | Women's Soccer
Playing to a 1-1 tie after two overtimes, the No. 2 seed FGCU Eagles claimed the ASUN Championship over the No. 1 seed Liberty Lady Flames 4-3 on penalty kicks Friday evening at Osborne Stadium.
Liberty took a 1-0 advantage late in the first half on a goal by Chloe Marr and held off FGCU until late in the second half. The Eagles tied the match during the 85th minute on a goal by Margret Berry, after which neither team scored through the final five minutes and two overtime periods.
The Lady Flames went up 1-0 in penalty kicks, only to see the Eagles score each of their next four kicks, while Liberty made two of their last four attempts. The Flames had a chance to match FGCU at 4-4, but Eagles goalkeeper Katie Sullivan made a diving stop to capture the title.
Liberty sees its season come to an end with a 14-3-4 record. The tie does extend its program-record unbeaten streak (10-0-3) to 13 consecutive games. FGCU moves to 12-5-2 on the season and advances to next week’s NCAA Tournament. The Eagles are unbeaten in their last 11 games (9-0-2).
Scoring Summary
37’ – Chloe Marr (Assisted by Halle Engle)
85’ – Margret Berry (Assisted by Kendal Gargiula and Louise Lilliback)
Thoughts from Head Coach Lang Wedemeyer
“It was a real physical match. You have to credit FGCU for getting back in the game. It was disappointing to give up the goal with five minutes to play, but I don’t want it to take away from the great season our players had.”
Turning Point
With Liberty leading 1-0, FGCU received a corner kick during the 85th minute. The corner was sent into the middle of the box, bouncing off a few players and headed into space. Margret Berry pounced on the ball, shooting, and scoring to knot the game at 1-1.
Key Stats & Notes
- Liberty played for the ASUN title for the second time in three years. The Lady Flames won the ASUN title in the Spring 2021 season with a 1-0 overtime win over Kennesaw State on April 17, 2021.
- The Lady Flames were extended to penalty kicks for the first time since being edged by High Point 5-4 in penalty kicks in the 2014 Big South Championship.
- Liberty extends its program-record unbeaten streak to 13 games. The Lady Flames have not lost a match since Sept. 11 at Pitt (3-2).
- Liberty outshot FGCU, 14-12, and held a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks in the match.
- Marr scored her third goal of the ASUN Tournament and her fourth of the season.
- ASUN All-Conference second team forward Halle Engle assisted on Marr’s goal and finished the ASUN Tournament with four assists.
- ASUN Goalkeeper of the Year Ainsley Leja made six saves in the match for Liberty. Katie Sullivan recorded five for FGCU.
- Liberty midfielder Saydie Holland, defender Bridie Herman and Marr were named to the ASUN All-Tournament team.
Team Stats
Chloe Marr (4)
Assisted By: Halle Engle
bicycle kick at left corner of box puts ball free in box for shot from left side into right side
36:51
Margaret Berry (3)
Assisted By: Kendal Gargiula , Louise Lillback
Corner into center - headed down for shot
84:48
