WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University men's soccer team looks to get back in the win column Wednesday when the Hilltoppers travel to Salem for a 2 p.m. matchup at The Bridge Sports Complex.

West Liberty enters the contest at 4-4 overall and 2-4 in Mountain East Conference play after dropping four straight matches. The Hilltoppers opened the season with four consecutive victories before the current skid.

The Hilltoppers have been competitive statistically through their first eight matches, scoring 10 goals on 100 shots while allowing 12 goals on 113 shots. West Liberty has put 47 shots on goal and earned 39 corner kicks.

Leyton Collier leads the Hilltoppers' attack with three goals and an assist for seven points. Collier has taken a team-high 22 shots and put 12 of those attempts on goal.

Brian Russell has added two goals, while Tresz McLeod has contributed a goal and two assists. Jasper Newton has a goal and an assist, while Alec Aceves, Wilson Hanna and Brody Wall have also found the back of the net this season.

In goal, Shai'ya Fitzgerald has started all eight matches, recording 39 saves with a .780 save percentage and a 1.42 goals-against average.

Salem enters Wednesday's matchup at 2-5-2 overall and 1-4-1 in MEC play. The Tigers are coming off a 2-1 loss at Point Park on Sunday. Salem's two victories came on the road against Malone and West Virginia Wesleyan.

The Tigers have scored 11 goals through nine matches while allowing 20. Salem is averaging 11.3 shots per game and has recorded 44 corner kicks.

Josue Villegas leads Salem with two goals and two assists for six points, while Arokya Shrestha has two goals and an assist. Copper West has contributed a goal and four assists.

Gregory Lynch has played all 810 minutes in goal for the Tigers, recording 43 saves with a .683 save percentage and a 2.22 goals-against average.

West Liberty and Salem played to a 3-3 draw in last year's meeting at Salem on Sept. 28, 2025. The Hilltoppers then earned a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Tigers at West Liberty on Oct. 25, 2025.

The teams also split their two meetings in 2024, with West Liberty earning a 4-2 road victory before Salem posted a 1-0 win on the Hilltop.





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.