Newcomer Helena scores brace in shutout of new W League side FC Carolinas
Greenville, SC (May 12, 2023) – The Greenville Liberty Soccer Club began its sophomore season of play with a convincing victory, earning a 2-0 win over FC Carolinas in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at Paladin Stadium on Saturday night, presented by Prisma Health. The win put the Liberty back in a familiar place atop the W League’s South Atlantic Division, which the club won in its inaugural season in route to a playoff semifinal appearance.
The much-anticipated sequel to 2022’s campaign started with high expectations and a new squad, with nearly half the roster featuring first-time Liberty players. Taking full advantage of the home turf, Greenville expanded the field and used the width to push forward early against an FC Carolinas squad playing its first W League match. In the 12th minute, Liberty winger Julie Mackin darted down the left sideline and launched the ball across the face of the goal. Marcella Helena flew into the box for a perfectly timed volley to net the first Greenville Liberty goal of 2023. Ahead one, the club known for its offensive prowess last season kept up a fierce attack and continued to test the North Carolina side as they looked for a second goal. After a flurry of opportunities, the Liberty put another one in the net just before the half when Academy Cup star, Autumn Cayelli dribbled past Carolina’s right back, slotting a ball into Helena’s feet. The Brazilian neatly placed the ball into the corner for a brace and a 2-0 Liberty lead at the half.
The teams entered the second half with momentum clearly in favor of the home side. Shortly after the kick, Greenville threaded through the FCC squad and took liberties with the backline. Despite feverish attempts at the goal throughout the half, though, head coach Julie Carlson’s team couldn’t connect for another goal. As the match progressed, FCC used outstanding goalkeeping to withstand the waves of attack and disrupt the play of game, including saving a penalty kick taken by Greenville’s Sarah Jacobs. Mackin, Cayelli and Molly Dwyer all nearly tallied a third goal for the Liberty, but the home side would have to settle for a two-goal win to open the season.
“I’m very proud of them. I mean they were very resilient; they followed the game plan, which was just to be very disciplined,” said Head Coach Julie Carlson. “Some of the non-negotiables we had were just to be very disciplined defensively, first, and I told them a goal is going to come you just have to be patient.”
The Greenville Liberty has a quick turnaround to its second match of the season, hosting NC Fusion next Tuesday, May 16th at 7:00 PM in Paladin Stadium. Tickets can be purchased here.