HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hilltoppers and Flames battled to a defensive deadlock for much of the first half, with each team recording four shots. Liberty registered the first shot on goal in the eighth minute, but a diving save to her right from Mia Riddick kept the match scoreless. In the 11th minute, Makenna Egan responded with a shot on goal of her own, but it was turned away by the Liberty goalkeeper. Alyvia Walls recorded the Tops' only other shot on goal of the half in the 22nd minute, but her attempt was saved. Riddick added two more saves before the break to keep the match scoreless at halftime.
The Flames came out aggressive to open the second half, putting pressure on the Hilltoppers' back line with five shots in the opening five minutes. Riddick continued to anchor the Tops in goal, making another clutch save to tip the ball over the crossbar and keep Liberty off the scoreboard before giving way to freshman Emma Teague. In the 77th minute, Liberty forced a WKU own goal to take a 1-0 lead. In the final minutes, Danielle Lewin made a strong run down the field before finding April McDonald with a chance to equalize, but McDonald's attempt was saved by the Flames' goalkeeper.
QUOTABLE
"Today was a really good game between two Conference USA contenders," said Head Coach Jason Neidell. "Liberty took control for about 20 minutes in the second half, and it ended up being decisive. Our team had not been down a goal all season, and I loved the fight that we showed to try to respond in the latter part of the game. We will learn from this experience and continue to grow for the rest of the conference race."
NOTABLES
- Makenna Egan led the Hilltoppers offensively with four shots, including two on goal
- Goalkeeper Mia Riddick tied her career-high with seven saves in 74 minutes of action
- April McDonald and Alyvia Walls both recorded a shot on goal for the Hilltoppers
- Defenders Kora Kipley and Abby Wiedermann, along with forward Makenna Egan, played all 90 minutes of the match
- The Hilltoppers move to 1-1-1 all-time against Liberty
NEXT UP
The Hilltoppers continue CUSA play at the WKU Soccer Complex against Sam Houston on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m. CT.
