Fairmont, WV – The University of Charleston hit the road on Sunday for its third straight appearance in the MEC Championship, this time facing top-seeded Fairmont State University at Duvall-Rosier Field. Despite a strong postseason run, the Golden Eagles came up short, falling 4–1 to the Falcons.
The Basics
- Location: Duvall-Rosier Field
- Final Score: UC 1, FSU 4
- Records: Charleston (10-8-3, 7-5-3 MEC), Fairmont State (16-1-3, 10-1-3 MEC)
How It Happened
Riding the momentum of their midweek upset over West Virginia State, the Golden Eagles entered the final with confidence and energy. Both sides opened the match aggressively, with Fairmont registering the first shot before Sydney Crowe answered with an attempt of her own, just off target. The breakthrough came in the 30th minute, when the Falcons struck first to take a 1–0 lead. Just before halftime, Fairmont added a second goal, sending UC into the break trailing 2–0.
Charleston responded quickly in the second half. In the 49th minute, Jamie Bland slipped a pass to Crowe, who took a few controlled touches before drilling a shot into the side netting, cutting the deficit to 2–1 and swinging momentum UC's way. For the next 10 minutes, Charleston pushed higher up the pitch and won the majority of duels, threatening to level the match. But Fairmont held firm. In the 60th minute, after a spectacular save from Ines Degli Esposti, the Falcons converted on the ensuing corner to restore their two-goal cushion. They struck again in the 79th minute, sealing the 4–1 win.
UC closes the season with a 10-8-3 record and another deep postseason run, defeating Frostburg State and West Virginia State to reach the MEC final once again.
