Liberty Opens Conference Play With 5-1 Win Over Orange

With a stinging 0-3 loss to the Orange Pioneers in the 2015 season on their minds, the Pattys traveled to Olentangy Orange with the goal to both avenge the loss and open 2016 OCC Buckeye Division play with a victory. Both goals for the evening were achieved, and every player who was available to play had considerable playing time in a decisive 5-1 win over Orange. The Patriots are now 5-1-0 on the season and 1-0-0 in conference play.

The Pattys had control of possession in the first 20 minutes and were rewarded when Abby Summers played a ball down the right flank to Abby Townsend, who timed a run behind the Orange defense, controlled the ball on the run and slotted a ball into the net in the 20th minute. Less than a minute later, Sophie Fallieras smoothly finished a chance after a scramble in front of the Orange goal, off an assist from Olivia Sensky.

There was a brief momentum switch late in the first half, when the Pioneers were awarded a Penalty Kick after Emma Campbell made a 1 v 1 save attempt, deflecting the ball away.  However, the official declared the contact that followed to be a penalty. Orange converted the try, and just a few minutes later were given a indirect free kick off a an intentional backpass call, but Emma Campbell kept the ball out of the net and the score stood at 2-1 in favor of the Pattys at the half.

In the second half, the Patriots picked up where they started the match and delivered a dominating performance over the last 40 minutes, tallying three more goals and constantly pressuring the Orange back line and goalkeeper. The final 3 goals were scored by Olivia Sensky off of a corner by Abby Jones, Townsend scored her second of the night on an assist by Sophie Fallieras, and Madison Rapier capped the scoring on a powerful endline run off an Ellie Bambeck throw-in assist, beating two defenders and burying the shot near post from point blank range.

The Liberty back line allowed few chances, and senior Captain Emma Campbell and Senior Grace Poncsak split time in goal, both turning in excellent performances. The duo have allowed only 3 goals in the first six games.  Central midfielders Sheila Colbert, Lyndsey Kijowski and Sarina Dirrig may not have registered on the scoreline, but turned in strong efforts and controlled play throughout.

In the earlier JVA match, the Patriots lost 0-1. Freshman Goalkeeper, Maddie Kelley, turned in a outstanding performance in goal despite the loss, and the JVA Pattys are now 4-1-1 on the season.

Next up is a visit on Thursday for all three teams to Hilliard Davidson.

GO PATTYS!