ATHENS, W.Va. — The West Liberty University men's soccer team will look to build on its strong midweek performance when it travels to face regionally ranked Concord on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Callaghan Stadium.
The Hilltoppers (5-7-4, 3-6-3 MEC) come in after pushing No. 2 Charleston to the wire on Wednesday night, holding a halftime lead before falling 2–1 in the closing minutes. Alex Watt scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season, assisted by Travis Scandalis, while goalkeeper Shai'ya Fitzgerald made seven saves to keep the match close throughout.
Earlier this fall, West Liberty earned one of the program's signature wins when it defeated then–No. 10 Concord 1–0 at the West Family Complex. Watt provided the lone goal in that contest, and Emil Vernhamn recorded the shutout as the Hilltoppers handed the nationally ranked Mountain Lions a rare defeat.
Concord (11-3-2, 9-3 MEC) enters the rematch after appearing in the first NCAA Atlantic Regional Rankings released Wednesday afternoon. The Mountain Lions have been one of the MEC's most consistent teams, averaging more than two goals per match behind the play of standout scorers Malher Santi Possu (10 goals, 3 assists) and Ted Roberts (9 assists).
West Liberty, meanwhile, continues to show growth in all phases, outscoring opponents 13–10 over its last six outings. Watt and Scandalis have led the attack, while Fitzgerald and Vernhamn have combined for four shutouts in goal.
The Hilltoppers will look to rediscover the defensive discipline and timely finishing that fueled their upset win over the Mountain Lions earlier this season as they aim for another statement result on the road. Following Saturday's match at Callaghan Stadium, West Liberty will close out the regular season on Wednesday at Wheeling University.