East Carolina University
Liberty
Pirates Fall to Liberty in Season Opener, 3-1
August 14, 2025 | Soccer
GREENVILLE, N.C. – The East Carolina Pirates dropped their 2025 regular season opener to the Liberty Flames, 3-1, Thursday afternoon at Bill Clark Homes Field Johnson Stadium.
Liberty struck quickly, capitalizing on an ECU miscue just 40 seconds in. Ivy Gardner buried the opener off a pinpoint right-footed cross from Halle Engle to give the Flames early momentum.
The visitors doubled their lead with 15 minutes left in the first half when Lauren Flax lofted a curling shot into the top-right corner after a cross from the left found her just outside the box.
Liberty added a third in the 72nd minute when Olivia Dietrich punched away a shot from the right side, only for Briana Myers to pounce on the rebound and slot it home.
The Pirates found a late spark after Maddie Milliron weaved into the box and was brought down, earning a penalty. Isabella Gutiérrez stepped up and calmly fired down the center to record ECU's first goal of the season.
In a bright spot for the Pirates, the match marked the return of Molly Thomas after 679 days and Holly Schlagel after 1,057 days away from action due to various injuries.
Up Next: The Pirates remain at Johnson Stadium to host NC State on Sunday night. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. The game is free to attend to fans. For those that are unable the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
