Liberty Falls at N.C. State, 3-1

September 22, 2016

Raleigh, N.C. – The N.C. State Wolfpack defeated the Liberty Flames, 3-1, Tuesday night in a non-conference match at Dial Stadium.

Liberty midfielder Kevin Mendoza evened the score at 1-1 at 66:54 with his first goal of the season, before host N.C. State struck for two more for the win.

Liberty drops to 3-3-1 on the season. N.C. State moves to 2-5.

Playing on a wet field after a pregame rain, neither team was able to score in the first half. Both the Flames and the Wolfpack each displayed strong defensive efforts during the first 45 minutes, as neither team penetrated deep into their offensive end in the period.

Liberty did not attempt a shot, while N.C. State was able to put four shots on goal during the half, but each time was turned away by Flames goalkeeper James Knoebel. The best scoring chance for either team came off the foot of Wolpack midfielder Clayton Sparks during the 42^nd minute. Sparks took a pass near the goal box and pushed a shot forward. Knoebel was in a position and made a diving save to prevent a score.

With its attack hemmed in the midfield for most of the contest, Liberty’s first shot of the contest in the opening moments of the second half put pressure on the N.C. State defense. Forward Martin Agredo came free in the 18-yard box, slipping a shot toward the far right corner of the goal. Wolfpack defender Caleb Duvernay moved into the line of the attempt, blocking and then clearing it.

In the 63^rd minute, N.C. State began a scoring burst over the next 7:06. Forward Tanner Roberts headed in a crossing from the right sideline by Travis Wannemuehler at 62:08 for a 1-0 Wolfpack advantage.

Liberty struck for the equalizer during the 67^th minute. N.C. State failed to clear a cross by Flames midfielder Alan Arellano. Mendoza pounced on the loose ball and ripped a shot from six yards out into the net for his first goal of the season, knotting the game at 1-1.

Less than two minutes later, the Wolfpack went back in front. Sparks settled a crossing pass from Duvernay and scored from 10 yards out. Sparks’ first goal of the season at 69:14 gave N.C. State the lead for good at 2-1.

A shot by Liberty’s Mendoza forced N.C. State goalkeeper Alex McCauley to make a save in order to preserve the Wolfpack edge during the 71^st minute.

N.C. State then gave itself a two-goal edge at 77:57. On a give-and-go with Nick Retzlaff, Julius Duchscherer netted his second marker of the year for what proved to be the final score of 3-1.

The Wolfpack outscored the Flames, 23-5, and held a 7-0 advantage on corner kicks.

Liberty’s Knoebel made nine saves. N.C. State’s McCauley recorded two saves.

The Flames next travel to Rock Hill, S.C., for a match against the Winthrop Eagles, Saturday to begin Big South Conference play. Match time is 7 p.m.