Story by Jon Dinan
LIBERTY — Liberty midfielder, Pedro Garcia’s fancy footwork dazzled the crowd Wednesday as the Indians hosted the Family School in a non-league contest at Liberty.
The undefeated Indians (5-0) won the lopsided game 9-0 with goals scored by seven different players. Garcia controlled the tempo and flow of the game with his ball control and quick movements. Family School defenders simply couldn’t keep up with him.
The blowout victory is Liberty’s third shutout on the season, and all five of their wins have been by more than three goals. After a 9-7-1 finish and an early playoff exit last season the Indian’s are looking ready for redemption.
“We expected to have a good team this season, but to dominate the way we have has been a surprise,” said coach Debbie Simpson, who added that the players have a “terrific chemistry on and off the field and that makes a huge difference.”
Double and triple team defenses were being thrown at Garcia only a few minutes into the game, but he still found a way to assist five of Liberty’s nine goals.
The Family School had only two shots on goal during the match and both were stopped on great saves by Liberty goalkeeper, Julian Spina. On his second save, Spina made a fully-extended dive to his left to stop a shot from Family School midfielder, Zach Poe.
Said Libery team captain, Jose Cruz about his team’s performance against the Family,
“I think we played really well. It was a hard-fought game. It was a lot of running under too much sun, but [The Family School] played hard, and they never gave up.”
This victory comes on the heels of Liberty capturing the Monticello Soccer Tournament Saturday, defeating the host Panthers 3-0 in the finals. Ignacio Feijo led the way with two goals and one assist while Spina recorded four saves.
“We really have a good team,” said Simpson. “I’m able to move players around the field and we can still execute the way we want to.
Liberty looks to extend their winning streak to six straight today traveling to Sullivan West for a 4:30 p.m. game.