LYNCHBURG, Va. – The University of Kansas women's soccer team secured a hard-fought 3-2 road victory over Liberty University at the Liberty Soccer Field on Saturday afternoon. The Jayhawks built a commanding 3-1 halftime lead before withstanding a spirited Liberty comeback attempt in a match that featured five goals and non-stop action.
Kansas wasted no time asserting themselves on the road, striking early to silence the home crowd. In just the 9th minute, Olivia Page gave the Jayhawks the lead with a clinical finish, capitalizing on excellent service from Saige Wimes. The early goal set the tone for what would be an aggressive attacking display from the visitors in the first half.
Liberty responded quickly to the early setback, showing the resilience that would characterize their performance throughout the match. The Flames found their equalizer in the 15th minute when Gabby Miranda scored an unassisted goal, demonstrating individual brilliance to beat the Kansas defense and slot past the goalkeeper. The quick response energized the home crowd and shifted momentum temporarily back to Liberty.
However, Kansas was undeterred by Liberty's equalizer and continued to press forward with purpose. The Jayhawks' persistence paid off in the 26th minute when Mary Sola restored their lead with another unassisted effort. Sola showed excellent composure in front of goal, taking advantage of a defensive lapse to put Kansas back in front at 2-1.
The first half was characterized by end-to-end action, with both teams creating numerous chances. Kansas looked dangerous every time they pushed forward, with their front line causing constant problems for the Liberty defense. The Jayhawks' movement off the ball and quick transitions from defense to attack proved particularly effective.
Liberty struggled to contain Kansas's attacking threats despite their early equalizer. The Flames showed glimpses of quality in possession but found it difficult to break down the organized Kansas defense consistently. Their defensive shape was repeatedly stretched by the pace and movement of the Jayhawks' forwards.
Kansas delivered what appeared to be a knockout blow early in the second half. Just 3 minutes and 26 seconds after the restart, Jillian Gregorski extended the Jayhawks' lead to 3-1 with an unassisted goal in the 48th minute. Gregorski's strike seemed to put the game beyond Liberty's reach, giving Kansas a comfortable two-goal cushion with over 40 minutes remaining.
The goal forced Liberty to abandon their cautious approach and push more players forward in search of a way back into the match. This tactical adjustment created a more open game, with spaces appearing for both teams to exploit. Liberty began to gain more possession and started creating more meaningful attacking opportunities.
For over 30 minutes after Gregorski's goal, Kansas managed the game expertly, maintaining their two-goal advantage while absorbing Liberty's increasing pressure. The Jayhawks showed defensive discipline and organization, frustrating Liberty's attempts to mount a comeback. Their ability to slow the game down when necessary and maintain possession proved crucial during this period.
However, Liberty refused to surrender, and their persistence was finally rewarded in the 82nd minute when Halle Engle pulled one back to make it 3-2. Engle's unassisted goal, coming with just eight minutes plus stoppage time remaining, set up a frantic finale as Liberty threw everything forward in search of an equalizer.
The final minutes were nerve-wracking for Kansas as Liberty pressed desperately for the equalizer. The Flames earned several corner kicks and free kicks in dangerous positions, creating a siege-like atmosphere around the Kansas goal. The Jayhawks' defense, which had been solid throughout the match, was tested to its limits in the closing stages.
Kansas goalkeeper and defenders made several crucial interventions in the dying minutes to preserve their lead. The backline showed tremendous character and concentration to withstand Liberty's late onslaught, with players throwing themselves in front of shots and making vital clearances.
When the final whistle blew, Kansas had secured a valuable road victory that showcased both their attacking prowess and defensive resilience. The three first-half goals proved decisive, though the Jayhawks will know they made the finish more difficult than necessary by allowing Liberty back into the match.
For Liberty, the defeat was harsh given their spirited second-half performance and late push for an equalizer. The Flames showed great character to keep fighting despite falling behind multiple times, and their never-say-die attitude nearly earned them a point. Gabby Miranda and Halle Engle's goals demonstrated their attacking capabilities, but defensive lapses in the first half ultimately cost them.
Kansas will be pleased with their clinical finishing in the first half, with Olivia Page, Mary Sola, and Jillian Gregorski all finding the net. The variety in their scoring – one assisted goal and two unassisted efforts – shows the team's ability to create chances through both team play and individual brilliance.
Scoring Summary:
KU - Olivia Page (Saige Wimes) 9:10
LU - Gabby Miranda (unassisted) 15:37
KU - Mary Sola (unassisted) 26:14
KU - Jillian Gregorski (unassisted) 48:26
LU - Halle Engle (unassisted) 82:19