Last week was a big one for Freedom’s soccer team, but this week will be even bigger when they face city rival, Liberty, and an Easton team that will be out for revenge.

Most recently, the Patriots scored victories over Easton, Dieruff, and Bethlehem Catholic.

“They came out hard,” said Freedom forward Mezen Abdalla, regarding Becahi, after the Patriots 3-1 victory on Saturday.

The Hawks held the Patriots to one goal in the first half, and two in the last 15 minutes of the game, despite Freedom having the most time of possession in both halves. Steven Riad had the first and third goals for the Patriots.

“The first goal, I shouldered it over the goalie, trapped it, and kicked it in,” Riad said.

His second was a header.

Abdalla scored the second goal of the game from 25 yards out.

“Will [Tichy] threw it in. I pushed it to the side, and then I just destroyed it,” Abdalla said.

Abdalla and Riad are currently Freedom’s top goal scorers.

“We stretch out the defense, and then they don’t know who to mark,” said Riad.

For better or worse, they are almost like brothers.

“They try to connect and support each other. They’re both attacking players,” said Freedom coach Michael O’Connell. “Beca kept coming at us, and they kept themselves in the game. That will be the issue: who will show up this week.”

The Patriots have a rematch with Easton after defeating the Red Rovers 2-0 last week, and a showdown with Liberty on Thursday night.

“Easton was a great win for us. We needed it. It opened divisional play.” Riad said, “We can’t wait [for Liberty]. Allen gave them trouble, but we don’t want to look too far ahead.”

Liberty defeated Allen 4-2 and Easton 6-1 last week.