FROSTBURG, Md. — The West Liberty University men's soccer team will put its perfect record on the line Wednesday night when the Hilltoppers travel to Frostburg State University for a Mountain East Conference North Division showdown between two unbeaten teams.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Bobcat Field.

West Liberty enters the matchup at 4-0 overall and 2-0 in MEC play, riding a four-match winning streak. The Hilltoppers have already picked up three victories away from home this season, including Sunday's 2-1 triumph at Wheeling.

The Hilltoppers have been one of the conference's most productive offensive teams through the opening four matches, scoring 10 goals while averaging 17.0 shots per game. West Liberty has put 34 of its 68 shots on goal and is converting at a .147 clip.

Junior Leyton Collier has been at the forefront of the attack, ranking among the MEC leaders with three goals and seven points despite appearing in only three matches. Collier has also registered a team-high 14 shots and seven shots on goal.
Brian Russell has added two goals in three appearances, while Jasper Newton has contributed a goal and an assist. Tresz McLeod leads the Hilltoppers with two assists.

West Liberty has also received strong play from goalkeeper Shai'ya Fitzgerald, who has played all 360 minutes while making 21 saves and posting a 1.25 goals-against average and .808 save percentage.

Frostburg State comes into Wednesday's matchup at 3-0-2 overall and 1-0-1 in conference play. The Bobcats have won three of their last four matches, including a 3-1 victory at Wheeling on Sept. 9. Frostburg also opened its season with a 1-1 draw at Lock Haven and played Davis & Elkins to a 1-1 draw on Sept. 6.

The Bobcats have scored 10 goals through five matches, averaging 2.0 goals per game. While Frostburg has taken fewer shots than West Liberty — 48 compared to 68 — the Bobcats have been highly efficient, converting 20.8 percent of their shots.

Nate Kennedy leads Frostburg with three goals, while Frank Stare has scored twice and added two assists. Inzaghi Harmon has been another key contributor with one goal and a team-high three assists through just three appearances.

Defensively, the Bobcats have surrendered just four goals in five matches. Goalkeeper Josiah Emerson has played 360 minutes, allowing three goals with a 0.75 goals-against average and .824 save percentage.

The early-season numbers point toward a closely contested matchup.

West Liberty owns the conference's second-highest scoring average at 2.50 goals per game, while Frostburg is third at 2.00. The Hilltoppers have generated the second-most shots in the MEC with 68, while Frostburg has been particularly efficient with its 48 attempts.

The defensive numbers are similarly impressive. West Liberty has allowed five goals in four matches, while Frostburg has given up just four goals in five contests.

The Hilltoppers have also shown a knack for finishing matches strong. West Liberty has scored six of its 10 goals in the second half, including both goals in Sunday's win at Wheeling.

Frostburg, meanwhile, has scored six of its 10 goals in the first half and has yet to allow a first-half goal this season.

Wednesday's contest will be the first of two meetings between the teams this season. Frostburg State will make the return trip to West Liberty on Oct. 14 for a 7:30 p.m. matchup 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.