CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Liberty battled No. 4 Charleston for nearly 89 minutes Wednesday night before the nationally ranked Golden Eagles broke through with a late goal to hand the Hilltoppers a 1-0 setback in Mountain East Conference men's soccer action at Welch Athletic Complex.
The match was delayed approximately two and a half hours because of weather, pushing the start well beyond its scheduled 7 p.m. kickoff. Once play began, the Hilltoppers held the nation's No. 4 team scoreless for nearly the entire 90 minutes.
The match marked West Liberty's third consecutive game against a nationally ranked opponent. The Hilltoppers faced No. 23 Frostburg State on Sept. 16, followed by nationally ranked Davis & Elkins on Sept. 20, before taking on No. 4 Charleston on Wednesday. Davis & Elkins is ranked No. 12 nationally in the latest United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II poll, while Frostburg is receiving votes.
West Liberty finished with six shots, including three on goal, while Charleston held an 18-6 advantage in total shots and an 8-3 edge in shots on goal.
Goalkeeper
Shai'ya Fitzgerald turned in another strong performance for the Hilltoppers, making seven saves over 90 minutes. All seven came in the second half as Charleston increased its pressure.
West Liberty created several opportunities during a scoreless first half. The Hilltoppers put together a three-shot attacking stretch early in the match, with
Ian Stempler,
Leyton Collier and
Ethan Nethery each recording an attempt before West Liberty earned a corner kick at 22:47.
Collier and E.J. Sablan each put shots on frame during the opening half, forcing Charleston goalkeeper Curro Rodriguez to make saves. The Hilltoppers also defended three Charleston corner kicks after the 35th minute to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime.
Charleston increased the pressure following the break, but Fitzgerald and the Hilltopper defense repeatedly held firm.
West Liberty weathered a prolonged Charleston attacking stretch between 48:34 and 59:56, facing 12 attacking actions that included eight shots and four corner kicks without allowing a goal.
The Hilltoppers continued to create opportunities at the other end. Collier put both of his shots on goal, including West Liberty's best chance of the night at 50:43, while Sablan recorded the Hilltoppers' other shot on frame.
Charleston continued to press late, but West Liberty's defense kept the Golden Eagles off the scoreboard deep into the closing minutes. The Hilltoppers also earned a corner kick in the 84th minute as they looked for a late breakthrough.
Charleston finally broke through at 88:25, when Tomas Petrungaro scored to give the Golden Eagles a 1-0 lead.
West Liberty was unable to find an equalizer during the closing minutes and suffered its third consecutive setback despite holding Charleston scoreless for nearly the entire match.
Fitzgerald finished with seven saves, while Collier led the Hilltoppers with two shots, both of which were on goal. Stempler, Nethery and Sablan also recorded shots for West Liberty.
The Hilltoppers now return home Sunday looking to snap the three-game skid when they host Shawnee State at the West Family Athletic Complex. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
West Liberty enters Sunday's match at 4-3 overall and 2-3 in MEC play, while Shawnee State is 2-4-2 overall and 1-3-1 in conference play.
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.
