Liberty Ties Appalachian State in Season Opener

Photo Courtesy: Andy McLean

In its season opener, Liberty traveled to Appalachian State and controlled the game from start to finish, attempting 14 more shots than Appalachian State but the Lady Flames were unable to produce a goal as Liberty and the Mountaineers tied, 0-0.

Turning Point

Liberty controlled possession throughout the game, attempting 18 shots while holding App State to just four shots in 90 minutes. In the first half, Liberty outshot Appalachian State, 7-1, but was unable to produce a goal. Liberty’s offense was clicking as six different players attempted a shot in the first 45 minutes of the game. Liberty’s offense continued to generate chances in the second half, attempting 11 shots. Liberty’s backline was able to keep pressure off Ainsley Leja in goal for the Lady Flames, as the sophomore records her first career solo shutout.

Key Stats & Notes

• Liberty had two freshmen in the starting lineup Halle Engle and Haleigh Arostegui.
• Liberty’s Ainsley Leja earned her first career start.
• Liberty outshot App State 18-4.
• Liberty had 12 players attempt a shot.
• Engle led Liberty with three shots.
• Liberty had three shots on goal while App State attempted two.
• Both teams combined for 27 fouls throughout the contest.
• Liberty had seven newcomers receive playing time.

Thoughts from Head Coach Lang Wedemeyer

“I thought we played well enough to win tonight. We were just not sharp in the box to take advantage of our chances. But it was a good learning experience and now we recover to get ready for ETSU.”

Up Next

Liberty will wrap up this week’s play on Sunday, Aug. 21, when the Lady Flames return home to take on East Tennessee State. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Osborne Stadium and can be seen on ESPN+.