WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty was unable to overcome a two-goal first half Sunday, falling to Davis & Elkins, 2-0, in Mountain East Conference men's soccer action at the West Family Athletic Complex.
The Hilltoppers were held to three shots on the afternoon, with one finding the frame, while Davis & Elkins finished with 12 shots and six on goal. West Liberty's defense settled in after halftime, holding the Senators scoreless over the final 45 minutes.
Shai'ya Fitzgerald played all 90 minutes in goal for the Hilltoppers and made five saves.
Davis & Elkins struck first at the 11:20 mark and continued to pressure the Hilltoppers throughout the opening half. Fitzgerald made a pair of saves to keep West Liberty within one before
Ethan Nethery registered the Hilltoppers' first shot at 22:30.
West Liberty earned its lone corner kick of the first half in the 39th minute, but the Senators doubled their advantage when Guzman Irigaray scored at 41:41 to send Davis & Elkins into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
The Hilltoppers generated a pair of shots in the second half, with
Leyton Collier's attempt sailing high in the 53rd minute.
Kevin Teather recorded West Liberty's lone shot on goal when he tested the Davis & Elkins goalkeeper in the 88th minute.
Fitzgerald and the Hilltopper defense kept the Senators off the scoreboard in the second half. Fitzgerald made three saves after the break, including two during a late Davis & Elkins flurry between the 82nd and 84th minutes. The Hilltoppers also withstood a corner kick during the stretch to prevent the Senators from adding to their lead.
Nethery, Collier and Teather accounted for West Liberty's three shots. The Hilltoppers were whistled for nine fouls and received two yellow cards, while Davis & Elkins was called for 13 fouls.
West Liberty will return to action Wednesday when the Hilltoppers travel to Charleston for a 7 p.m. MEC match at Welch 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.
