CLINTON, S.C. – Liberty Flames forward Ernest Siaw scored the contest’s only goal, helping lead the Flames to a 1-0 victory over the Presbyterian Blue Hose, Saturday evening at Martin Stadium.

      Siaw netted his second goal of the season late in the first half and the Flames recorded their fourth shutout of the year with the victory. The win was the fourth straight Big South Conference win for the Flames. 

      Leading the Liberty defensive effort, goalkeeper Scott Sutarik notched his 21^st shutout of his career, tying George Nimo (1987-90) for second on the program’s all-time list.

      Liberty moves to 4-3 in Big South Conference play and 9-5-1 overall.  The Flames have won four of their last five contests. Presbyterian falls to 0-8 in conference play and 1-13 overall.

      Liberty carried possession through most of the first half, outshooting Presbyterian, 7-2, during the first 45 minutes.

      The Flames used its first corner kick of the contest to generate their first scoring opportunity of the half during the ninth minute. Off the reset, midfielder Alan Arellano ripped a shot off the right post, which the PC defense then cleared to relieve Liberty’s pressure.

      Two strong defensive plays by Presbyterian kept the contest scoreless during the 38^th minute. Liberty midfielder Blessing Tahuona received a pass into the right side of the 18-yard box. The junior lined a shot towards the near post which Blue Hose goalkeeper Connor Behrend laid out and deflected out with his left leg for a Liberty corner kick.

      On the ensuing corner kick, Conner Fleming’s kick found the foot of the defender Jamie Foxwell in the center of the box for shot. Presbyterian defender Matthew McManis dropped back into the goal mouth and knocked down the ball with his chest to prevent the Flames from taking a lead.

      Maintaining the offensive attack, Liberty’s pressure resulted in netting the game’s lone goal.  Tahuona sent a pass through the box, where Arellano deflected the ball down into the center of the penalty area. Siaw ran onto the ball and blasted a shot into the left side of the net for a 1-0 advantage at 41:31.

      After a smothering save off a shot during the 51^st minute of the second half by Sutarik, Liberty once again went on the attack. The Flames controlled play during the next 20 minutes. During the span, Liberty fired three shots which forced Behrend to make diving saves.

      During the 71^st minute, the Blue Hose countered as midfielder Steven Huppe sent a shot attempt from the top of the left side of the box towards the near post. Sutarik snagged the attempt out of the air for the save.

      Liberty looked to extend its lead during the 72^nd minute.  After a foul, the Flames received a free kick from 25 yards out near the right sideline. On the restart, Fleming bent a shot low to toward the right post, forcing Behrend to make another diving save.

      A minute later, Liberty midfielder Brady Mazzei ran onto the ball pushed forward from the midfield and ripped a shot from the top of the 18-yard box, which Behrend jumped up and deflected over the crossbar.

      During the final 15 minutes, Liberty’s defense allowed three shots, as Presbyterian brought an extra man forward in an attempt to find the equalizer. The Blue Hose best scoring opportunity came during the 78^th minute.  Forward Ignacio Monchetti headed a crossing pass that hit the crossbar and deflected out of play.

      Liberty held a 19-8 advantage in shots and a 9-2 edge in corner kicks.

      Sutarik made five saves in the contest. Behrend recorded 11 saves.

      Liberty returns home for its final two regular season contests of 2014, next week. The Flames will begin the homestand when they host the Campbell Camels, Wednesday. Game time at Osborne Stadium is 5 p.m.

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