CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Liberty University men's soccer team faces its third consecutive ranked opponent Wednesday night when the Hilltoppers travel to meet No. 4 Charleston in a Mountain East Conference matchup at Welch Athletic Complex.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

The Hilltoppers enter the match at 4-2 overall and 2-2 in MEC play after dropping consecutive conference matches to nationally ranked Frostburg State and Davis & Elkins. West Liberty opened the season with four straight victories before the two setbacks.

Charleston moved up to No. 4 in the latest United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Men's Rankings, released Tuesday. The Golden Eagles are 6-1 overall and 4-0 in MEC play and have won five straight matches.

West Liberty has been tested against some of the region's top teams during the current stretch. The Hilltoppers fell 3-0 at Frostburg on Sept. 16 before dropping a 2-0 decision to Davis & Elkins on Sunday. Both Frostburg and Davis & Elkins are receiving national recognition in the latest coaches poll, with Davis & Elkins ranked No. 12 nationally and Frostburg receiving votes.

Despite the two-game skid, West Liberty has matched its opponents with 10 goals through six matches and has generated 85 shots, including 40 on goal. The Hilltoppers are averaging 14.2 shots per match.

Leyton Collier continues to lead the Hilltopper attack with three goals and an assist for seven points. He also leads the team with 18 shots and nine shots on goal. Brian Russell has added two goals, while Jasper Newton, Alec Aceves, Wilson Hanna and Brody Wall have each found the net once.

Goalkeeper Shai'ya Fitzgerald has played all 540 minutes for West Liberty, making 29 saves while posting a 1.67 goals-against average and a .744 save percentage.

Charleston has been one of the nation's most productive offensive teams, scoring 26 goals in seven matches while allowing just six. The Golden Eagles are averaging 3.71 goals per game and have outshot opponents 120-27.

Martin Echarren leads the Charleston attack with six goals and two assists for 14 points. Allan Logrillo has four goals and four assists, while Tomas Petrungaro has three goals and five assists. Caio Moraes has added three goals and two assists.
Charleston goalkeeper Luka Felix has started all seven matches and has recorded four shutouts while allowing six goals.

Wednesday's matchup brings together two of the MEC's leading scorers, with Collier's seven points putting him among the conference leaders and Echarren leading the league with 14 points.

After Wednesday's road match, West Liberty returns home Sunday to host Shawnee State at 3:30 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.