WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — In challenging weather conditions featuring strong winds and steady rain, the West Liberty University men's soccer team fell 2–1 to Frostburg State on Sunday afternoon at the West Family Athletic Complex.
Frostburg State scored twice, including the eventual game-winner early in the second half. West Liberty's lone goal came from Travis Scandalis in the 79th minute, but despite generating 10 shots — six on target — the Hilltoppers couldn't find the equalizer. Both teams were shown three yellow cards apiece in a highly competitive, physical contest.
The match opened with West Liberty creating early chances, as Leandre Tyssandier and Jasper Newton each fired narrowly wide. Oskar Voges nearly put the Hilltoppers ahead when his shot struck the woodwork midway through the first half.
Despite West Liberty's attacking pressure, Frostburg State capitalized in the 20th minute when Mateo Cuadros finished a setup from Andrew Denard to give the Bobcats a 1–0 lead. The Hilltoppers continued to test Frostburg goalkeeper Jan Foret, with shots from Voges and Alex Watt forcing key saves, but the score remained 1–0 at halftime.
Early in the second half, Frostburg doubled its advantage as Cuadros netted his second goal of the match in the 52nd minute. West Liberty battled back, creating multiple scoring opportunities despite the slick field conditions and swirling wind. Newton fired two shots on goal that were both stopped by Foret, keeping the Hilltoppers just out of reach.
Persistence paid off late in the match when Tyssandier found Scandalis for a composed finish in the 79th minute to make it 2–1. West Liberty continued to press forward in search of an equalizer, but a late attempt from Kevin Teather sailed just wide as time expired.
Scandalis scored on his only shot of the day, with Tyssandier picking up the assist. Voges led the team in total attempts with two, while Shai'ya Fitzgerald made two saves in net over 90 minutes.
West Liberty (now 4-6-3, 3-5-2) will be back in action on Wednesday, traveling to Buckhannon, W.Va., to face West Virginia Wesleyan. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
