BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – The Golden Eagles battled off the Bobcats in Buckhannon by a 3-1 score to remain perfect for the season.
 
At the scene of last years blemish on their almost perfect 22-1-1 season, UC looked determined to come away with more than just a draw this time out. They started off the brightest and opened the scoring after just 4 minutes, when Lewis Osborne beat his man on the right hand side, firing a dangerous cross in between the Wesleyan goalkeeper and defenders. Will Roberts got across his defender and expertly notched the chance from 4 yards out.
 
The Bobcats managed to claw their way back into the game when they were awarded a penalty off a corner kick, to the surprise of most players and fans at the game. Jordan Halpern converted after 36 minutes, his 3^rd penalty kick in 2 games. Wesleyan tried to rally and make things difficult for Charleston, who continued to dominate possession and create chances.
 
It was UC's captain, Conor Branson, who scored UC's second on the stroke of halftime. Branson received the ball on the edge of the area and played a neat series of one-two's, the second with Roberts who weighted the ball perfectly back into Branson's path. Branson neatly finished from the edge of the 18-yard-box, placing the ball into the top right hand corner kissing the crossbar as it went in.
 
This technical play was a highlight of UC's performance and was followed in the 86^th minute, when more intricate play around the penalty box led to Renan Ramos cleverly passing the ball to Felipe Rafael Antonio. Antonio's excellent first touch past a defender was matched by his brilliant second touch lifting the ball over the rushing goalkeeper.
 
Wesleyan as always, made things difficult for the Eagles, but UC's firepower was just too strong the Bobcats. The Eagles outshot their opponents 20-7 and delighted the coaching staff with the result, "It was a solid performance from us today.  The lads were organized and professional for the majority of the match, then clinical when we needed to be'" said head coach Chris Grassie. He added, "I'm very happy with our maturity and tactical responsibility today.  It was such a tough pitch to play on, that it definitely gives Wesleyan an advantage.  But we were technical and innovative when we needed to be, which nullified that advantage". It was Grassie's first ever win in Buckhannon with UC.
 
The No.2 ranked Golden Eagles progress to 4-0-0 for the season and 2-0-0 in the MEC. They are back in action on Wednesday for their HOME OPENER against regional opponent and PSAC contender Seton Hill University. It's sure to be a good atmosphere for the returning national runners up, who look to go one further this time out. Wednesday 7pm, Schoenbaum Stadium at Coonskin Park is not one to be missed. There will be a free soccer clinic offered before the game from 5 to 6pm, where UC will coach children of all ages. The West Virginia Soccer Association are also hosting activities, between 6 and 7pm, before the games kicks off.