FARMVILLE, Va. – The Longwood University men’s soccer team was defeated, 3-0, by Liberty University (1-1) on Saturday evening at the Athletics Complex in Farmville. Tonight’s match marked the first-ever Big South Conference home contest for the Lancers (0-3) since officially joining the league on July 1. The game featured a ceremonial coin flip with former Longwood standout Shane Johnson to honor all of the student-athletes who helped the school attain conference affiliation. The Lancers return to action on Tuesday, September 4, when they host UNC Greensboro of the Southern Conference at 7 p.m.

“I felt there were lots of positives tonight, but unfortunately the main one was the score line, which wasn’t a true reflection of the game, but give Liberty their credit,” said head coach Jon Atkinson. “They’re conference champions for a reason and took their chances, which we had a big part in providing, unfortunately. We have to improve in order to turn the corner, but overall, the performance was full of energy, which at times put Liberty on the back foot, but wasn’t quite enough on the night.

“I was to thank the fans for their incredible support and feel bad we couldn’t celebrate a win.”

Freshmen Philip van Berkom|Zetten, The Netherlands (Hendrik Pierson College) and Sam Yardley|Fairfax Station (Robinson) led the Longwood with one shot on goal each. Six other Lancers also registered one shot in the outing. Sophomore goalkeeper Paul Hegedus|Ashburn (Broad Run) earned his first career start, making three saves on the night in 80+ minutes in front of the net. Freshman keeper Seth Erdman|Hummelstown (Lower Dauphin) made his collegiate debut, coming off the bench to play the last nine minutes of action.

The squads battled back and forth through over 37 minutes of scoreless play to open the game. In the 29th minute, van Berkom made a strong effort with a hard shot on goal, but it was turned away on a good save by the Liberty’s Scott Sutarik.

In the 38th minute, Liberty was able to move the net and take a 1-0 advantage into halftime. Tim Harbison took a corner kick that found teammate Zack Clark on the right side, allowing Clark to feed Sam Duininck on the left post for the go-ahead goal.

The Lancers came out of the break and controlled the pace of play for much of the second half, outshooting the Flames, 7-1, in the period, but Liberty was able to extend its lead in the 52nd minute when Austin Wyman found Greg White for the goal.

Following a yellow card, Yardley attempted to capitalize on a free kick opportunity for the Lancers, putting a hard shot on goal, but it was scooped up by the Flames keeper.

Liberty sealed the 3-0 victory in the 78th minute of play, as Kyle Breitmeyer sent a cross from the right side to Juan Nino, who was set up on left post for the goal.

Both teams totaled eight shots in the outing, while Liberty forced more corner kicks, 5-3. Tonight’s contest marked the 19th meeting between Longwood and Liberty in the sport of men’s soccer. The Flames now hold an 11-4-4 advantage in the all-time series.

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