Charleston, W. Va – The University of Charleston will begin their season in Erie, PA on the campus of Gannon University. There, they will take on Kutztown University for the 9^th year in a row. 
 
Charleston is all too familiar with Kutztown. The Golden Eagles have played the Golden Bears in their season opener in seven of their last eight seasons. In their first ever meeting, the two teams would tie 1-1 at the Fields at Trace Fork Soccer Complex here in Charleston, WV back in 2015. Ever since then, the Golden Bears have had the better of Charleston, winning the last seven matches by a combined score of 12-1. 
 
Kutztown had a phenomenal season in 2022 (11-6-4) as they had advanced all the way to the Atlantic Region Championship where their season would end after a last second goal from West Chester's Kiley Kergides in the 89^th minute of the match. This year, they have been selected third in the PSAC East Preseason poll and will return one of their top goal-scorers, Isabella Rossetti. In 2022, she totaled seven goals with 24 shots-on-goal and five game-winners against opponents through the year. Kutztown will also return Emme Wolfel, their starting goalkeeper. Last season, Wolfel put up 64 saves and only allowed 15 goals in 21 games, giving her an impressive 81% save percentage. 
 
Despite losing six starters from 2022, the Golden Eagles have a very talented squad in store for the new campaign. Charleston will return three-time All-MEC midfielder Laura Vierhout from Roosendaal, Netherlands. Last season, she would find four goals and an assist in all 20 of her starts for the Golden Eagles. Veteran Rachel Osborne will return for her senior season after scoring three goals and in 2022. Huntington, WV native Jordan Maynard will stand between the posts for the second year in a row after contributing 69 saves on 169 total shots in 19 games for the Golden Eagles. 
 
Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM on August 31^st at the McConnell Family Stadium in Erie, PA.