Late Rally Comes Up Short for Flames

September 2, 2015

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Despite scoring two late goals to move within one goal on the scoreboard, the Liberty Flames could not overcome a Tribe of William & Mary’s advantage. The host Tribe rode a 3-0 lead to a 4-2 victory over the Flames, Tuesday night at Martin Family Stadium.

Tim Harbison and Nico Bellarde each netted goals for visiting Liberty. Harbison scored his first goal of the season during the 75^th minute on a penalty kick. Bellarde, a freshman midfielder, tallied the first goal of his collegiate career during the 82^nd minute to cut the Flames’ deficit to 3-2 at the time.

Liberty goalkeeper Jeremy Lee played all 90 minutes without a save, while William & Mary’s Mac Phillips made one save in the contest.

Liberty drops to 1-1 on the year. William & Mary evens its record at 1-1. The contest was the first road match of the year for the Flames and the 2015 home opener for the Tribe. The two teams met for the first time on the pitch since 2001.

The host Tribe staked themselves to a quick advantage, scoring 58 seconds into the match. A pass from midfielder Reilly Maw found William Eskay free inside the 18-yard. The forward netted his first goal of the year, scoring from the left side, five yards out for a 1-0 lead.

During the 13^th minute, a shot by William & Mary midfielder Jackson Eskay from the top, right corner of the box hit the crossbar and was cleared by the Flames.

Liberty had its best scoring opportunity of the first half during the 34^th minute. Forward Sachem Wilson lofted a crossing pass from the left corner of the field into the right corner of the 18-yard box, where midfielder Bay Kurtz headed the ball down wide past the goal’s left post.

The second half saw the two teams combined for five goals. Liberty fell behind 3-0, before rallying for two goals after 70 minutes to cut its deficit to one with eight minutes left.

Just like in the first half, William & Mary struck for an early goal during the 54^th minute. For the second time in the match, Maw found William Eskay on the right side of the box. The forward scored on a shot into the lower left corner for a 2-0 host lead.

The Tribe extended its advantage during the 69^th minute. Midfielder Ryan Flesch dropped a pass to forward Alfonso Speed, who found midfielder Ryder Bell in front for a score and a 3-0 advantage.

Liberty rallied during the 71^st minute. After forward Sachem Wilson was pulled down in the box for a foul, Harbison netted the ensuing penalty kick to make it, 3-1.

Ten minutes later, a sliding shot by Bellarde of a free kick by midfielder Kurt Meyers, moving the Flames to within one goal, 3-2, at the 81:48 mark.

Pushing forward looking for the equalizer, Liberty’s pressure resulted in a corner kick during the 84^th minute. The Tribe was able to clear the kick to hold its lead.

In the 88^th minute, William & Mary put the contest out of reach. On a breakout by the Tribe, William Eskay scored his third goal of the contest for what proved to be the final score of 4-2.

William & Mary outshot the Liberty, 17-8, in the contest. The Tribe also held the advantage in corner kicks, 4-1.

Liberty next returns home for a match against the N.C. State Wolfpack on Friday. Kickoff at Osborne Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.