WHEELING, W.Va. – Brody Wall and Tresz McLeod scored second-half goals and Shai'ya Fitzgerald made seven saves as the West Liberty University men's soccer team remained unbeaten with a 2-1 victory over Wheeling on Sunday at Bishop Schmitt Field.
The Hilltoppers improved to 4-0-0 overall and 2-0-0 in Mountain East Conference play with their fourth consecutive victory. After a scoreless opening half, West Liberty broke through twice in the second half before Wheeling found the net late.
Fitzgerald played a key role in preserving the Hilltoppers' lead, making seven saves over 90 minutes. Four of those stops came in the second half as Wheeling applied pressure while West Liberty protected its advantage.
The opening half ended scoreless despite chances at both ends. Fitzgerald made three saves, including two after the 35-minute mark, to keep Wheeling off the scoreboard. West Liberty also created opportunities of its own, putting shots on goal through Kevin Teather, Wall and Jasper Newton while earning back-to-back corner kicks in the 13th minute.
West Liberty turned its second-half pressure into the game's opening goal in the 56th minute. After the Hilltoppers generated three shots and a corner kick during the preceding stretch, McLeod finished an assist from Ethan Nethery at 55:02 to give West Liberty a 1-0 lead.
Wheeling responded with an extended offensive push that included seven shots and two corner kicks over the next seven minutes, but the Hilltoppers' defense held firm and Fitzgerald kept the Cardinals off the scoreboard.
West Liberty then doubled its advantage at 65:58 when Wall scored off an assist from Newton. Wall put all three of his shots on goal and was credited with the game-winning goal.
The Cardinals continued to pressure the Hilltoppers after falling behind 2-0, but West Liberty again came through defensively. Fitzgerald made four second-half saves, and the Hilltoppers weathered another Wheeling stretch that produced two shots and two corner kicks before the Cardinals finally broke through at 85:34.
West Liberty shut the door over the final minutes to secure the 2-1 victory.
Wheeling finished with a narrow 15-14 advantage in total shots, while both teams put eight shots on goal. Fitzgerald's seven saves proved crucial as the Hilltoppers maintained their perfect start to the season.
Wall finished with three shots, all on goal, while McLeod scored on his only shot attempt. Newton recorded an assist and put his lone shot on frame, while Nethery added an assist.
The Hilltoppers return to action Wednesday when they travel to Frostburg, Md., to face Frostburg State in another Mountain East Conference matchup. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Bobcat Field.
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.
