The Liberty Flames stepped away from Big South Conference play for the last time during the 2014 regular season, Tuesday evening. The Flames fell to the N.C. State Wolfpack, 4-1, in a non-conference match at Dail Stadium.

      Host N.C. State scored three goals in the first half en route to its sixth non-conference win of the season.

      Liberty freshman defender Oluwatomiwa Kosoko scored his first collegiate goal in the second half for the Flames.

      Liberty drops to 8-5-1 overall and finishes its regular season non-conference schedule with a 5-2-1 record. The Flames finish their 2014 regular season with three Big South Conference contests. N.C. State moves to 7-5-4 overall and has posted a 6-2-1 mark in non-conference games.

      The Wolfpack struck early for the first goal of the contest at the 3:15 mark. Defender Conor Donovan sent a cross pass to the right post, which defender Reed Norton headed in for his first goal of the season and a 1-0 advantage.

      After a shot by Liberty midfielder Blessing Tahuona went wide during the 17^th minute, N.C. State Michael Bajza scored his fourth goal of the year, unassisted, at 20:23 for a 2-0 lead.

      A shot by Jovanni Chavez during the 26^th minute resulted in back-to-back corner kicks for the Flames. However, the Wolfpack was able clear the second kick to maintain its advantage.

      N.C. State made it 3-0, scoring off another crossing pass at the 33:00. Defender Matt Ingram sent a pass from the right sideline to the left post, which Philip Carmon headed in for his first goal of the year a 3-0 lead.

      Liberty leading scorer Sachem Wilson forced Wolfpack goalkeeper Joe Mills to make a save during the 38^th minute to close out the first half.

      RALEIGH, N.C. –  The Flames opened the second half with their lone goal of the contest. A header by midfielder Alan Arellano forced Wolfpack goalkeeper Mills to deflect the ball away from the goal to prevent a score, but could not control the loose ball. Kosoko followed by heading the rebound into the net at 56:01, cutting the N.C. State lead to two, 3-1.

      Liberty goalkeeper Jeremy Lee denied a penalty kick during the 74^th minute. However, N.C. State’s Yanni Hachem scored on a penalty kick during the 83^rd minute, his third goal of the year, for what proved to be the final of 4-1.

      The Wolfpack outshot the Flames, 15-9, in the contest. Liberty held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.

      In his first start of 2014, Lee made six saves in the match. Also making his first start of the year, Mills recorded five saves.

      Liberty next travels to Clinton, S.C., for a Big South Conference match at Presbyterian, Saturday.  Match time at Martin Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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