WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University men's soccer team will take on its toughest challenge of the season Wednesday night, hosting No. 2-ranked Charleston at 6 p.m. in Mountain East Conference action at the West Family Athletic Complex.

The Hilltoppers (5-6-4, 3-5-3 MEC) enter the midweek clash riding the momentum of a 5-4 victory over Salem on Saturday — their highest offensive output of the year. Five different players scored in the win, Jasper Newton, Leandre Tyssandier, Sam Jones, Leyton Collier and Alex Watt with the game-winner. West Liberty currently sits sixth in the MEC standings, just behind Frostburg State, and will look to carry its attacking rhythm into the final week of the regular season as it aims to secure a spot in the postseason mix.

Offensively, the Hilltoppers have displayed balance throughout the lineup this season. Travis Scandalis and Alex Watt share the team lead with three goals and two assists each, while Leyton Collier has chipped in two goals and three assists from the midfield. In total, 11 different Hilltoppers have found the back of the net, combining for 24 goals and 16 assists through 15 matches.

In goal, the tandem of Emil Vernhamn and Shai'ya Fitzgerald has anchored the defense, combining for 77 saves and four shutouts, helping West Liberty remain competitive in one of the nation's deepest Division II conferences.

Charleston (12-0-3, 9-0-2 MEC) enters the matchup ranked No. 2 in the nation and atop the conference standings, boasting one of the most dominant resumes in college soccer. The Golden Eagles have outscored their opponents 32–3 and posted 12 shutouts, with Martin Echarren (6 goals) and Sam Newell (4 goals, 6 assists) leading the offensive attack. Goalkeeper Konstantinos Parisis has been nearly flawless between the posts, owning a 0.17 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage.

The Golden Eagles claimed a 3-0 victory in the teams' first meeting of the season on October 1 in Charleston. 

Following Wednesday's contest, West Liberty will close out the regular season with a pair of road games at Concord and Wheeling.