LYNCHBURG, Va. — The Florida Gulf Coast University men’s soccer team picked up its first victory of the season on Friday night, building a 3-0 lead before holding off a late multi-goal surge to defeat Liberty 3-2 at Osborne Stadium.

FGCU was outshot 13-7 overall and 8-4 on goal, but maximized its scoring opportunities throughout the night.

The Eagles (1-2) set the pace in the 29th minute when Emerson LaOrden, a Naples, Florida, native, intercepted a Liberty clearing attempt and pushed a pass up to Brooks Beeman. Beeman made a run down the left side and made a shot from the top of the box to put FGCU ahead 1-0.

FGCU doubled its cushion right out of the half in the 48th minute as Aron Martinez linked up with LaOrden, who placed a shot into the bottom corner.

The match swung in the 64th minute when FGCU was issued a straight red card, forcing the Eagles to play a man down for the final 26 minutes. Despite the disadvantage, FGCU extended its lead to 3-0 in the 77th minute. Flavio D’Angelo intercepted a Flames pass, freed himself at the top right of the box, and scored on a shot past the keeper.

Liberty (1-2) refused to allow a shutout. Samson Kpardeh converted a penalty kick in the 80th minute, then followed up 84 seconds later on a long pass from Pablo Matavele to beat the keeper 1-on-1, pulling the Flames within 3-2. Liberty was unable to score the equalizer before time expired.

FGCU goalkeeper Marcelo Lacayo picked up the win playing the full 90 minutes and recording six saves on the night—five of which came in the second half—to preserve the road victory.

The Eagles continue their Virginia road trip on Monday, Aug. 31, taking on the University of Virginia in Charlottesville at 6 p.m.