Georgia Southern University
2-1-1, 0-0-0
Liberty
1-2-1, 0-0-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Ga. Southern | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Eagles Play To Hard-Fought Draw Against Liberty
9/3/2026 12:33:00 AM | Men's Soccer
STATESBORO, Ga. — Georgia Southern Men's Soccer (2-1-1) played Liberty (1-2-1) to a 1-1 draw Wednesday Night at Bo Pitts Field. Eagles Mitch Picksley scored in the 79th minute as the Eagles equalized after trailing 1-0 late.
In the first half the Eagles created their first opportunity when Mitch Picksley had a shot at 1:56, followed by a corner kick at 2:07. The opening stretch grew physical, with eight combined fouls and cards from 2:57 to 12:49, including a yellow card to Georgia Southern's Samuel Chapman.
Liberty generated the next chances, with Flames Goncalo Sousa shooting out left at 22nd minute and teammate Samson Kpardeh hitting the left woodwork at 30:55. The Eagles earned corner kicks at 35:22 and 40:49 around a Toby Nevile shot, while Liberty added late attempts before the half ended 0-0.
In the second half, Liberty took control of the momentum, Kpardeh scored from a Ronnie Gorman's assist at 69:57 to make it 1-0.
The Eagles responded with multiple attempts of their own, a corner in the 74th minute, shots from Broden Beorlegui and Tomas Morales, another corner at 76:19 and an Owen Barker shot all missed, before Mitch Picksley scored off Lior Holtz's assist at 79:41 to tie it 1-1
The teams traded late chances, with Aristizabal saving Goncalo Sousa's shot at 88:42 and Thengill Orrason putting a shot on frame at 89:54 that Dan Rose saved as the match finished 1-1.
Mitch Picksley scored and finished with two shots, including one on goal. Lior Holtz recorded an assist for his point. Aristizabal played all 90 minutes in goal and made three saves while allowing one goal. The Eagles were outshot by Liberty 17 to 6. The Flames had 4 shots on goal compared to 2 from the Eagles.
The match didn't end without drama as the clock wound under three seconds Eagles defender Ezra Amadi-Emina attempted to kick the ball away from the Georgia Southern box. The ball bounced off a Flames forward, over the head of the goalkeeper Arisitzabal and into the back of the net. While Liberty rushed the field, VAR review determined the goal came after the clock had already hit zero, ending the match in a draw.
After the Eagles fell behind 1-0 in the second half and came back to earn a tie, Georgia Southern Head Coach Lee Squires pointed to Just a lot of character, a lot of fight, a bit more urgency, some good quality to put it away. Squires said the Eagles created another opportunity around the equalizer — We had a chance, I think, either just before it or just after it as well, goalkeeper saved. — and added that Capitalizing on pressure and to get something out of the game is pleasing because I don't think we were great tonight. Looking ahead, Squires said the team needs to Then come back with an energy and an attitude for us to want to get better, while noting, I still think individually we need to play at a higher level.
Up next, the Eagles travel to DeLand, Florida, to face Stetson on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
Samson Kpardeh (5)
Assisted By: Ronnie Gorman
GOAL by FLAMES Kpardeh, Samson Assist by Gorman, Ronnie.
69:57
Mitch Picksley (2)
Assisted By: Lior Holtz
GOAL by GASO Picksley, Mitch Assist by Holtz, Lior.
79:41
