Mackin, Dike, and Grunst Shine as Liberty Secure 3-0 Shutout of rival
Greenville, SC (May10, 2024) – The Greenville Liberty defeated Asheville City 3-0 in the team’s season opener on Friday night. A goal from Clemson alum, Julie Mackin in the 49th minute put the Liberty up 3-0 and strong defensive play sealed the clean sheet for the Liberty. The club continued its dominance in home openers, marking three years in a row with a victory.
The matchup of regional rivals, which moved to the South Central division for 2024, kicked off with Greenville’s first notable offensive move in the 26th minute. Liberty veterans Julie Mackin and Gabby Gonzalez orchestrated a brilliant play in front of Asheville’s goal. Despite Gonzalez’s powerful shot, Asheville’s keeper managed to deny the attempt, keeping the score level.
However, Asheville’s defense faltered in the 34th minute when a pass back to the goalkeeper from Anna Doane resulted in an own goal, handing Greenville the lead. Mackin further solidified Liberty’s dominance in the 44th minute, dribbling past three defenders before setting up Dubem Dike for a clinical finish, doubling the lead just before halftime.
The second half began with a flurry of action from Greenville as Carly Wilson’s precise cross found Mackin in the 49th minute, who made no mistake in converting the opportunity into a goal, extending the lead to 3-0 within the first three minutes of second half play. Asheville attempted to mount a comeback, but Greenville goalkeeper Henley Grunst showcased her talent with crucial saves in the 56th and 85th minutes, ensuring Liberty’s clean sheet.
“I think they just responded to all the points that we made,” said head coach Julie Carlson. “We have a deep roster, picking an eighteen for this team is never going to be an easy task throughout the summer and I just thought that our veteran players really stepped up. I think that some of our younger players that are now more veteran type players have really embraced the moment and the opportunity. It’s been fun to watch some of them who have come from their college programs that have put in the work during the spring and they’ve come here.”
The Liberty will quickly shift focus to the next match, heading on the road to face Southern Soccer Academy on Tuesday, May 14. The team returns home to Paladin Stadium to face the Birmingham Legion on Friday, May 17th at 7:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now.
