WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University secured one of the biggest wins in program history on Sunday, shutting out No. 10 Concord University in a 1-0 upset at the West Family Complex. The Hilltoppers capitalized on a first-half opportunity and leaned on a resilient defensive effort to keep the nationally ranked Mountain Lions off the scoreboard. Goalkeeper Emil Vernhamn recorded four saves to preserve the clean sheet as West Liberty handed Concord its second straight loss.

West Liberty (2-2-2, 1-1-2 MEC) broke through in the 33rd minute when Alex Watt scored off a rebound after Zachary Jordan's initial shot was denied. Vernhamn kept the Mountain Lions from equalizing with several key stops, including a point-blank save on Dominique Malhomme in the 20th minute. The Hilltoppers also showed composure under pressure, enduring a physical stretch that saw both teams pick up yellow cards before halftime.

The second half brought more Concord pressure, but West Liberty's defense rose to the challenge. The Hilltoppers limited chances despite multiple corner kicks and fouls, while Vernhamn stood tall again with critical saves in the 47th and 69th minutes. Offensively, Oskar Voges and Barney Cowan tested the Mountain Lions' keeper, but Watt's first-half strike held up as the game-winner.

Watt finished with his second goal of the season, while Voges added two shots on target and Cowan chipped in another. Vernhamn's four-save performance anchored West Liberty's second-ever shutout victory over a nationally ranked opponent—the other coming on Sept. 2, 2023, when the Hilltoppers blanked then-No. 12 Davis & Elkins 4-0 on the road.

The Hilltoppers return to the pitch Wednesday night, hosting Point Park in another Mountain East Conference matchup at 7 p.m. at the West Family Athletic Complex.