Campbell Edges Liberty, 2-1

October 10, 2017

A goal in the 80th minute propelled the Campbell Camels to a 2-1 victory over the Liberty Flames, Friday evening in a Big South men’s soccer match at Eaker Athletics Complex.

Forward Chase Houvious’ scored his first goal of the season for the Flames’ only score in the contest.

Liberty drops to 1-1 in Big South play and 5-3-1 overall. Campbell moves to 1-1 in conference and 5- 4-1 overall.

Early offensive pressure by Campbell lead to the contest’s first goal less than six minutes into match. After a shot high and having a corner kick cleared by Liberty during the third minute, the host Camels took a 1-0 advantage during the sixth minute. A long pass by defender Samuel Orisatoki from the back forward found J.J. Donnelly on the left side of the field. Donnelly settled the ball and sent a shot into the right side of the net for his fifth goal of the season and a Campbell lead at 5:32.

Liberty knotted the match during the 27th minute. Forward Tresor Mbuyu came free on the right side of the 18-yard box for a shot which Camels’ goalkeeper Matthew Mozynski deflected away. The rebound fell to Houvious, who scored into the left side of the net to tie the contest at 1-1.

After a header by Campbell’s Ian Reese was saved by Flames’ goalkeeper James Knoebel at 27:30, Liberty did not allow the Camels a shot attempt the rest of the opening half. Despite the drought, Campbell outshot the Flames, 8-3, in the half.

Meanwhile, Liberty worked Mbuyu open for a shot during the 33rd minute and garner back-to-back corner kicks in the 40th minute. However, Campbell was able to clear the Liberty opportunities on each occasion, sending the match to intermission tied, 1-1.

The two teams exchanged shots during a wide open second half. The Flames began the half with two shots attempts by midfielder Pepe Segarra during the first five minutes. Segarra’s first attempt forced a save by Mozynski, while his second was blocked in 18-yard box by a Campbell defender.

After Liberty was unable to clear a corner kick by the Camels, Campbell netted the game-winner during the 80th minute. Midfielder Gabe Parrish sent a crossing pass to the near post, where forward Alex Egeonu headed in his second goal of the season and gave the Camels a 2-1 lead.

Off the restart, Liberty looked to find equalizer. Mbuyu ripped a shot from the left side of the box, which was deflected over the end line by Mozynski. Off the resulting corner kick, Liberty received another corner kick that Campbell finally cleared.

During the 87th minute, Rigo Rojas took Liberty’s final shot of the contest. However, Mozynski made the stop and secured the Camels’ victory.

Campbell outshot Liberty, 19-12, in the match. Each team had six shots on goal. The Flames held the advantage in corner kicks, 8-3.

Liberty’s Knoebel made four saves, while Mozynski recorded five.

The Flames next return home for a conference match with Longwood on Tuesday. Match time at Osborne Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.