West Liberty, W.Va. – The West Liberty University men's soccer team will step out of conference play Sunday afternoon when it travels to Salem for a 3 p.m. kickoff.

The Hilltoppers (2-3-2, 1-2-2 MEC) are looking to regroup after a 2-0 setback against Point Park on Wednesday. West Liberty has shown flashes of balance this fall, posting wins over California (Pa.) and Concord while battling to draws with Wheeling and Davis & Elkins.

Offensively, the Hilltoppers have scored seven goals in seven matches, with sophomore Travis Scandalis and senior Alex Watt leading the way at two goals apiece. Oskar Voges and E.J. Sablan have also found the net, while playmakers Lachlan Quate and Jasper Newton have chipped in assists.

On the defensive side, freshman goalkeeper Emil Vernhamn has been a steady presence, recording two shutouts and a .905 save percentage across four starts. Collectively, the Hilltoppers' back line has kept them in nearly every match, allowing 1.57 goals per game.

Salem (1-3-3) enters the contest still seeking its second win of the season. The Tigers opened with a victory over Point Park and have played to three draws, including against Lake Erie and Davis & Elkins, but are winless in their last three.

West Liberty and Salem have played competitive matches in recent years. Last season, the Tigers edged the Hilltoppers 1-0 at the West Family Athletic Complex, while the 2023 meeting ended in a 2-2 draw. West Liberty's last win in the series came in 2022, a 4-2 road victory.

Sunday's game will serve as WLU's final non-conference road test before diving into the heart of the Mountain East Conference schedule.