Buckhannon, WV – The Golden Eagles traveled to Buckhannon to face West Virginia Wesleyan for the second time this fall. Charleston won the first meeting, earning a 2-1 victory at home, but the Bobcats came away with a win in the rematch.
The Basics
- Location: Culpepper Stadium
- Final Score: UC 0, WVW 2
- Records: Charleston (4-7-3, 4-5-3 MEC), West Virginia Wesleyan (6-6-2, 6-5-1 MEC)
How It Happened
West Virginia Wesleyan came out aggressively, creating the first opportunity of the game in the sixth minute with a long-range effort that was comfortably saved by Ines Degli Esposti. The Bobcats threatened again a minute later with another shot from distance, but Degli Esposti was once again there to make the save. Charleston recorded its first shot in the 17th minute when Sydney Crowe tried her luck from long range, but her effort sailed high before dropping into the goalkeeper's hands.
The Bobcats broke the deadlock in the 21st minute following a series of corner kicks. On their third attempt, Wesleyan delivered a cross toward the far post. Degli Esposti managed to get a hand to the ball, but it found its way into the back of the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. Wesleyan nearly doubled its advantage in the 32nd minute, but its effort struck the crossbar, allowing Charleston to remain within one goal heading into halftime.
The Golden Eagles looked to respond after the break, but the Bobcats extended their lead just five minutes into the second half. A high press allowed Wesleyan to win possession in the attacking third before a scramble around the box saw the ball fall to a Bobcat attacker, who finished first time with her left foot into the top corner to make it 2-0. Charleston continued searching for a way back into the contest. In the 65th minute, Allison Freese tested the goalkeeper with a free kick, but her effort was saved. Moments later, Devan Rosensweig found Emilía Dís Óskarsdóttir in space inside the box, but the Wesleyan goalkeeper denied her attempt to keep the Golden Eagles off the scoreboard.
Chances were limited for both sides in the closing stages, and the match was ultimately called in the 76th minute due to weather conditions, with West Virginia Wesleyan securing the 2-0 victory.
Up Next
Charleston returns home on Sunday, October 18, for Senior Day at the Welch Athletic Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
