Charleston W. Va. – The Golden Eagles saw defeat in the final game of the regular season, falling to West Virginia State 2-1.
 
The Basics:
Location: Welch Athletic Complex
Score: UC 1, WVSU 2
Records: UC 14-4 (13-2 MEC), West Virginia State 12-3-3 (11-2-2 MEC)
 
How it Happened:
The game between Charleston and West Virginia State got off to a strong start with both teams pressing early on. Charleston's goalkeeper Jordan Maynard and West Virginia State's Laura Galindo were tested multiple times, with each making several key saves.

Both teams were active offensively, with West Virginia State's Avril Amil Ruiz shooting wide in the 3rd minute and Karissa Vela testing Maynard with a shot in the 20th minute. However, neither team could break through the defenses. Charleston's Juliette Lucas and Hannah Goes each had shots in the 7th and 16th minutes, respectively, but both went wide of the mark.

As the period progressed, the physicality of the match increased, with a few fouls committed by both teams, including fouls on Lina Jaime and Kim Smal of Charleston, and Naomi Njeri of West Virginia State. The first period saw both teams struggle to finish their chances, and at times, strong goalkeeping kept the scoreline level.

The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Sara París Fílter of West Virginia State scored a well-taken goal, assisted by Karissa Vela and Kay-Lynn McCall, giving the visiting team a 1-0 lead. Charleston made several substitutions, bringing in fresh legs, including Demari Curry and Kaitlyn Gauze, but they were unable to respond before the end of the period.

As the clock wound down, West Virginia State held on to their slim lead, and Maynard was forced to make one final save off Naomi Njeri's shot, which hit the top woodwork. After 45 minutes of play, the score stood at 1-0 in favor of West Virginia State.

The second half began with both teams making several substitutions. Charleston trailing by 1-0, looked to regroup, making multiple changes in an attempt to turn the game around. However, West Virginia State quickly extended their lead in the 47th minute with a well-timed goal from Sara París Fílter, assisted by Karissa Vela and Aika Tobaru, making it 2-0.

Charleston responded by creating some offensive pressure. In the 46th minute, Cassidy Collins had a shot from outside the box, but it sailed wide. A few minutes later, Collins again tested Galindo, but the West Virginia State goalkeeper was solid between the posts, keeping the scoreline intact.

In the 58th minute, Charleston earned a penalty kick after a foul in the box, and Lina Jaime stepped up to take the opportunity. Jaime made no mistake, converting the penalty to pull Charleston back into the game at 2-1.

As the game progressed, both teams exchanged possession, but neither could capitalize on their chances. Charleston had several more opportunities, with Cassidy Collins forcing another save from Galindo in the 82nd minute and a shot from Curry in the 89th minute that was also kept out by the goalkeeper.

In the final minutes, both teams battled fiercely, with Charleston continuing to press for the equalizer. However, West Virginia State's defense and Galindo's performance in goal held firm, and the match ended with a 2-1 victory for the visiting team.
 
Up Next:
Charleston will host the Wheeling Cardinals in the quarter finals of the Mountain East Conference Tournament on Sunday, November 10^th at 7:00pm.