Women's Soccer Preview: Liberty

UNC Asheville will try to snap a four match losing streak on Friday when it hosts Big South-leading Liberty. The Bulldogs (4-9-1, 1-6-0) have struggled to maintain an offensive rhythm in conference play, and their task will not become any easier against the Flames (8-7-1, 5-1-1), a group that has stifled opponents with superb defense.

Liberty goalkeeper Karen Blocker ranks first in goals against average (0.18) and save percentage (.974) in conference play. The sophomore also leads the league with four shutouts. Asheville’s senior keeper, Veronica Lazar, turned in a strong performance in non-conference action but has struggled at times in Big South matches. Lazar ranks ninth in both goals against (1.15) and save percentage (.778) over this stretch. Freshman Megan Dent, who has shared time in goal with Lazar since returning from an injury, has averaged 1.71 goals against and a .667 save rate in three conference matches.

Junior Maria Owen is the linchpin of the Liberty attack. Her 11 points in league play lead the Big South, and she ranks second in goals (4) and third in assists (3). Sophomores Aimee Luurtsema and Silvia Betancourt are tied for fourth, with three goals apiece. Asheville had difficulty converting offensive opportunities over the four consecutive losses, and produced only one goal during the stretch. The Bulldogs’ four conference goals make up the lowest total in the Big South. Katy Beeler leads the team with two conference goals, while Chloe McCleary-Small is the overall leader with four. Senior striker McKenna Stockhausen has only one goal on the year, but leads the team in shots and has had a number of near misses. If this trio of forwards can get back on track on Friday, Asheville will have a good chance to steal a victory from the conference leader.

Liberty defeated UNC Asheville last year, 3-1, in Lynchburg. The Flames also came out on top in 2007, the last time the two sides faced one another at Greenwood Field. Come out and support the Bulldogs as they try to reverse that trend. The match kicks off at 3pm, and admission is free.