Charleston, WV – Charleston hosted Glenville State at the Welch Athletic Complex for its final home game of the season, battling the Pioneers to a 2-2 draw in an important MEC matchup.
The Basics
- Location: Welch Athletic Complex
- Final Score: UC 2, GSU 2
- Records: Charleston (5-7-4, 5-5-4 MEC), Glenville State (8-7-1, 8-5-1 MEC)
How It Happened
Glenville State controlled possession early and put pressure on the Charleston defense. In the fifth minute, a throw-in from the left side led to a chance inside the box, forcing Ines Degli Esposti to make an excellent diving save. The Pioneers continued to push forward, making it difficult for the Golden Eagles to generate chances offensively. Glenville State broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. Following a corner kick from the left side, a Pioneer rose at the far post and headed the ball into the net to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Just two minutes later, Glenville doubled its advantage when a through ball split Charleston's defensive line, allowing a Pioneer forward to finish with a first-time shot from the right side and make it 2-0.
Charleston responded almost immediately. Just 30 seconds after the second goal, Sydney Crowe volleyed a cross from Zailee Roberts, but the Glenville goalkeeper made the save. On the rebound, Li-Lou Debaecker drew a foul just outside the penalty area. Debaecker stepped up for the ensuing free kick and curled the ball into the top corner, cutting the deficit to 2-1. The Pioneers nearly restored their two-goal lead before halftime, but a long-range effort struck the crossbar, sending Charleston into the break trailing by just one.
The Golden Eagles came out looking to find an equalizer after the restart. Glenville State created a couple of chances in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, but Degli Esposti comfortably handled both attempts. Charleston nearly tied the game in the 56th minute. A long free kick found Jamie Bland, whose header struck the post. Abigail Harrison collected the rebound and fired a shot, but the Glenville goalkeeper produced another excellent save to preserve the Pioneers' lead. Moments later, a fortunate bounce sent the ball into the path of Zailee Roberts. She dribbled past a defender and used her speed to break toward goal, but her shot was parried away by the goalkeeper.
Glenville threatened again in the 65th minute, when another long-range effort rattled off the crossbar. As the half progressed, Charleston continued to apply pressure while the Pioneers worked to protect their advantage. The Golden Eagles' persistence finally paid off with just over a minute remaining. Charleston earned a long free kick, and Ciara Casamento delivered a cross toward the far post. Roberts rose to meet it with a header and found the back of the net, completing the comeback and securing a 2-2 draw for the Golden Eagles in their final home game of the season.
Debaecker scored her sixth goal of the season, while Roberts, a Charleston native, netted her third of the campaign.
Up Next
Charleston will travel to Athens, WV, to take on Concord on October 25 at 1 p.m.
