BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — The West Liberty University women's soccer team battled back in the second half Sunday but came up short in a 2-1 loss to West Virginia Wesleyan at Culpepper Stadium.
The Hilltoppers trailed 2-0 at halftime before
Frida Lundberg scored off an assist from
Allie Callahan in the 74th minute to cut the deficit to one. West Liberty continued to push for an equalizer down the stretch but could not find the tying goal.
West Virginia Wesleyan held a 17-8 advantage in shots and put eight attempts on goal. West Liberty placed five of its eight shots on frame, while goalkeeper
Kaisa Vale made six saves over 90 minutes. The Bobcats' goalkeeper finished with four saves.
West Virginia Wesleyan opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Amelia Sage finished a Natalie Carlock assist. The Bobcats struck again in the 27th minute as Kailey Garofalo converted another Carlock assist to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.
Vale kept the Hilltoppers within reach, making a save on an Isabella Mazza attempt late in the first half. West Liberty also generated several opportunities before the break, including shots on goal from Ariana Bosh in the 30th and 44th minutes, but the Hilltoppers entered halftime trailing by two.
West Virginia Wesleyan applied pressure early in the second half, but Vale came up with four saves between the 57th and 69th minutes to keep the deficit at two.
Kylie Collins tested the Bobcats' goalkeeper with a shot on target in the 65th minute as West Liberty continued to search for a breakthrough.
The Hilltoppers finally found the net in the 74th minute. Lundberg finished a pass from Callahan to make it a 2-1 match.
West Liberty continued to look for the equalizer in the closing minutes. Lundberg added another attempt, while Maria Azevedo forced a save in the 87th minute. The Hilltoppers outscored the Bobcats 1-0 in the second half but were unable to overcome the early deficit.
Lundberg led West Liberty with three shots and scored the team's lone goal. Bosh also recorded three shots, putting two on goal, while Callahan earned an assist. Vale played the full 90 minutes and finished with six saves.
The Hilltoppers return home Wednesday to host Frostburg State at 5 p.m. 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.
