Tuesday, September 9
Lynchburg, Va.
7:00 PM ET
Liberty University
4-0-1, 0-0-0
2
vs
1
Longwood
1-2-1, 0-0-0
1
2
F
Longwood
0
1
1
Liberty
1
1
2
Liberty Tops Longwood 2-1
9/9/2025 10:30:00 PM | Men's Soccer
LYNCHBURG, VA. – The Liberty Flames built a 2-0 lead and then held off a late burst by the visiting Longwood Lancers to secure a 2-1 win Tuesday evening at Osborne Stadium.
The Flames took a 1-0 lead less than three minutes into the match as a cross to the left post by Perry Blay found the feet of Leo Conneh. The forward dumped the ball to an open Lucas Kelly, who dribbled into the center of the six-yard box and tucked a shot into the right side for his team-leading fourth goal of the season and a 1-0 lead.
With goalkeeper Tyler Beck making several outstanding saves for the Flames in the early part of the second half, the Flames broke through for their second goal of the evening in the 77th minute. Elijah John ripped a deflection into the open net for his first goal of 2025 to give Liberty a 2-0 advantage.
Longwood pressed the Flames' defense in the late stages of the contest, cutting Liberty's lead to 2-1. However, the Flames held firm for the win.
Liberty moves to 4-0-1 on the year. Longwood drops to 1-2-1.
Scoring Summary
3' – LIBERTY – Lucas Kelley (Assisted by Leo Conneh and Perry Blay)
77' – LIBERTY – Elijah John (Assisted by Lucas Kelly)
84' – LWD – Syrus Conolly (Assisted by Diego Diaz)
Key Stats & Notes
Liberty will host the James Madison Dukes on Saturday at Osborne Stadium. Match time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Flames took a 1-0 lead less than three minutes into the match as a cross to the left post by Perry Blay found the feet of Leo Conneh. The forward dumped the ball to an open Lucas Kelly, who dribbled into the center of the six-yard box and tucked a shot into the right side for his team-leading fourth goal of the season and a 1-0 lead.
With goalkeeper Tyler Beck making several outstanding saves for the Flames in the early part of the second half, the Flames broke through for their second goal of the evening in the 77th minute. Elijah John ripped a deflection into the open net for his first goal of 2025 to give Liberty a 2-0 advantage.
Longwood pressed the Flames' defense in the late stages of the contest, cutting Liberty's lead to 2-1. However, the Flames held firm for the win.
Liberty moves to 4-0-1 on the year. Longwood drops to 1-2-1.
Scoring Summary
3' – LIBERTY – Lucas Kelley (Assisted by Leo Conneh and Perry Blay)
77' – LIBERTY – Elijah John (Assisted by Lucas Kelly)
84' – LWD – Syrus Conolly (Assisted by Diego Diaz)
Key Stats & Notes
- In a tightly contested match, shots were even at 11 for each team. Liberty had five shots on goal, while Longwood put seven shots on goal.
- Longwood held an 8-5 advantage in corner kicks over Liberty.
- Liberty runs its record to 3-0 at home this season. This evening's game began a three-game stretch of home games for the Flames.
- The Flames have not given up more than one goal in a game this season. In five games, Liberty has allowed three goals (0.6 per game).
- Kelly, who entered the season with one career goal, leads the Flames with four. The defender also assisted on John's goal.
- John's goal was his first of the season. Liberty has now had nine different players score a goal this season.
- Liberty goalkeeper Beck recorded a career-high six saves. Four of the six came in the second half. Longwood goalkeeper Youssou Ouendeno made two saves.
- Longwood head coach Paul Gilbert was a goalkeeper at Liberty from 2007-10. Gilbert, who is in his second season at Longwood, is fifth all-time in shutouts (15) and seventh in goals-against average (1.21).
Liberty will host the James Madison Dukes on Saturday at Osborne Stadium. Match time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
3' | LUCASSSSS KELLYYYYY!!!!
— Liberty Men's Soccer (@LibertyMSoccer) September 9, 2025
The Flames score QUICK to create an early lead! pic.twitter.com/w9pN5cr2a9
77' | What A Goal ?
— Liberty Men's Soccer (@LibertyMSoccer) September 10, 2025
Elijah John extends the lead to 2-0 late in the second half! ?? pic.twitter.com/OlKhVwYa2D
Team Stats
LONG
LIB
Goals
1
2
Shots
11
11
Shots on Goal
7
5
Saves
2
6
Corners
8
5
Fouls
8
8
Scoring Plays
Lucas Kelly (4)
Assisted By: Leo Conneh , Perry Blay
pass from left post into middle of 6 yard area - tucked into right side
02:20
Elijah John (1)
Assisted By: Lucas Kelly
Shot from top of box center off deflection
76:38
Syrus Conolly (2)
Assisted By: Diego Diaz
GOAL by LONG Conolly, Syrus Assist by Diaz, Diego.
83:48
Game Leaders
Players
def
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
1
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
def
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
fwd
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
1
Players Mentioned
GK
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