ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Navy men's soccer team (2-2-0) was unable to overcome a two-goal deficit to Liberty (3-1-0) on Sunday night, as the Midshipmen fell to the Flames, 2-1, at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility.
 
Snapping an 11-game undefeated home streak, Navy made a late comeback attempt with senior David Jackson's third penalty-kick goal of the season, but could not find the equalizer on a hot and humid evening.
 
Pushing the offensive pace to start, the Mids nearly took the lead a minute and a half in to the contest when Jackson ripped a free kick into the top right corner, but Liberty's Owen Moore made the diving stop. The Flames then capitalized when Gabe Findley was taken down in the box in the 10th minute, as Luke Eberle went to the right on the ensuing penalty kick and put it just outside the reach of Navy's junior goalkeeper Pierce Holbrook.
 
Navy continued its push on the other end, nearly tying the game several times before freshman Nate Stewart just missed the net on a rebound opportunity after Moore turned aside an Andrew Schug shot in the 26th minute.
 
Playing out the first half, Liberty extended its lead shortly after the second half started when Findley found Bryce Swinehart on a give-and-go, as Swinehart beat Holbrook to the left side in the 48th minute.
 
The Mids tried to cut the Flames' lead in half multiple times but Moore racked up three more saves before Swinehart fouled junior Charlie Kriel in the box in the 78th minute. Setting up Jackson for his third penalty kick of the season, the Mids' leading scorer shot low to the right as Moore dove to the left post, bringing Navy within one goal.
 
Trying to generate more chances, Navy could not get off another shot over the final 12 minutes, as Liberty held on for the narrow victory.
 
Moore finished the night with seven saves for the winning decision, while Holbrook has handed the loss.
 
Head Coach Tim O'Donohue Comments
"Tonight was a disappointing result. We played very well in the first half and had some great chances we have to put away. Both of their goals were disappointing to give up, but I feel very good about this group and we need to bounce back Friday night."
 
Match Notes
• Navy's lead in the all-time series with Liberty now sits at 4-3-0.
• Jackson extended his points streak to four games, as the senior has been on the scoresheet in every contest this season.
• Sunday marked the first career start for Stewart, the third Navy freshman this season to make it into the Starting XI.
• Navy has outshot every opponent it has faced this season.
• Jackson has scored on each of his last nine penalty kick attempts.
 
Up Next
Navy finishes the homestand on Friday, Sept. 8 when it hosts Longwood. The Mids and Lancers are set for a 7 p.m. opening kick on ESPN+.