BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — The West Liberty University men's soccer team dominated from start to finish Sunday, shutting out West Virginia Wesleyan 6-0 in Mountain East Conference play at Culpepper Stadium.
The Hilltoppers scored three goals in each half while outshooting the Bobcats 21-9 and putting 13 attempts on goal. West Liberty's defense held West Virginia Wesleyan without a shot in the first half before goalkeeper
Shai'ya Fitzgerald made three second-half saves to preserve the shutout.
The victory improved West Liberty to 6-5-1 overall and 4-5 in conference play, while West Virginia Wesleyan fell to 0-9-3 overall and 0-7-2 in the MEC.
West Liberty wasted little time establishing control, scoring twice during an early attacking surge.
Julius Aschmann opened the scoring in the ninth minute, finding the net at 8:17. Just over a minute later,
Alec Aceves doubled the advantage at 9:34 off an assist from
Barney Cowan.
The Hilltoppers continued to pressure the Bobcats throughout the first half, and
Jasper Newton added a third goal at 39:10 off a pass from E.J. Sablan. West Liberty carried a 3-0 advantage into halftime after generating six shots and two corner kicks during the opening 10 minutes.
West Liberty extended its lead early in the second half when Cowan scored at 53:04. Aceves helped spark the attack with a shot on target before Cowan found the back of the net to make it 4-0.
Fitzgerald helped keep the Bobcats off the scoreboard, recording three saves in the second half, including consecutive stops in the 77th minute. The Hilltoppers continued to generate chances late, adding goals from
Ian Stempler and
Brian Russell to complete the 6-0 victory.
Leyton Collier assisted Russell's goal.
Cowan finished with a goal and an assist for three points, while Aschmann recorded the game-winning goal and put both of his shots on target. Collier added an assist and led West Liberty with four shots, including two on goal. Aceves contributed a goal and an assist, while Fitzgerald played all 90 minutes in goal to earn the shutout.
The Hilltoppers return home Wednesday to host Frostburg State at the West Family Athletic Complex.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at
westliberty.edu.
