LYNCHBURG, VA. – The Belmont Abbey men's soccer team closed out its exhibition slate in a matchup at Liberty Monday evening at Osborne Stadium.
 
The Crusaders were able to earn a second-half goal from Alexander Ljusberg but it was the Flames who came away with a 3-1 victory. The contest counted as an official match for Liberty, who moved to 2-0 on the season.
 
Belmont Abbey now looks ahead to its season opener Thursday.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Crusaders withstood an early surge from the Flames facing seven shots over the first 25 minutes.
• Belmont Abbey's first shot of the match came from Sebastian Rodriguez in the 18th minute.
• Liberty got on the board first with a penalty kick in the 37th minute.
• Trent McConnaughey made two saves in the first 45 minutes while Will Whitman made three saves for The Abbey in the second half.
• The Flames extended the lead in the 57th minute with a second penalty-kick goal.
• The Abbey found some momentum in the final 15 minutes and were rewarded when Ljusberg found the back of the net off a cross from Zion Duncan.
• Nate Cox recorded the other shot on goal of the match for The Abbey.
• Liberty scored the final goal of the match with 12 seconds remaining.

 
UP NEXT

• The Crusaders open the 2023 regular season at home with a match against USC Aiken Thursday at 7 p.m. at Alumni Field.
• The season opener marks the first of five straight home games to open the season for Belmont Abbey and eight of its first nine overall.