ROCK HILL, SC-- Dee Vydra netted his second career hat trick to help lead the Eagles past Liberty 7-5, Saturday evening in Big South Conference action.
The Flames (5-7-1, 2-2) had won the past 12 meetings, but Winthrop would not be denied.
"A win over liberty was a long time coming," said head coach Rich Posipanko, who's Eagles moved within one win of 300 wins for the program. "I thought we played well, but defensively I'm a little worried. To give up five goals was frustrating, but on the other hand a win is a win in conference play."
The Eagles (4-6, 2-0) jumped on the Flames early with two goals in the first six minutes. Freshman John Gilkerson scored his first collegiate goal just four minutes into the match. Lloyd Afriyie's shot from just outside the 18-yard box hit off the post and Gilkerson was there to place the ball into the net. Just a minute and one second later, Vydra got his first goal of the game. Michael Chumah put Vydra behind the Liberty defense with a pass and Vydra slipped the ball by Liberty goalie Kevin Mahan.
Liberty responded in the 19th minute when Adrian Bumbut broke free down the left side and beat Winthrop keeper Steve Winton. Kyle Cupid and Darryl Roberts assisted on the goal. Just under three minutes later, the Eagles made it 3-1 on a goal by Sean Weron, his third of the year. Liberty tried the clear the ball away after a cross, but the ball came right to Weron who brought it down and nailed a half-volley to the left corner from about 20 yards out. Almost seven minutes later Winthrop made it 4-1 on Vydra's second goal of the game. Vyrdra was sent one-on-one with Mahan after a pass from Afriyie sent him free down the right side.
Gilkerson ended with two goals while Afriyie had a goal and two assists. Chumah finished with two assists.
Liberty's Kyle Cupid scored goals in the 56th and 88th minute and Darryl Roberts also found the net.
UNC Asheville fell 1-0 to Virginia Military Institute today and the Eagles become the only team left in the conference without a loss.
Up next for Winthrop is Radford on Wednesday in Radford, VA at 7 p.m.
