Athens, WV – The Golden Eagles looked to get back in the win column as they traveled to Callaghan Stadium to take on Concord in an important MEC matchup.
The Basics
- Location: Callaghan Stadium
- Final Score: UC 2, CU 1
- Records: Charleston (6-7-4, 6-5-4 MEC), Concord (4-11-2, 4-9-2 MEC)
How It Happened
Charleston wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Just over a minute into the match, Li-Lou Debaecker won possession in the middle of the field and played the ball forward to Zailee Roberts on the left side. Roberts finished with a first-time shot into the opposite side of the net to give the Golden Eagles an early 1-0 lead. Chances were limited for both teams throughout much of the first half as the match became increasingly physical. Concord committed five fouls in the opening 30 minutes, while Jenna Brown received a yellow card for Charleston. The Golden Eagles doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Akayla Johnson delivered a well-placed cross from the left wing. Bella Cinco met the ball in the box and headed it into the net for her first goal of the season, sending Charleston into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
The Golden Eagles nearly added a third goal just 30 seconds into the second half. Debaecker played a pass into the path of Abigail Harrison on the right wing, and Harrison fired toward the top corner, but Concord's goalkeeper made an excellent save to keep the deficit at two. Concord responded a few minutes later. A long free kick from near midfield sailed over the Charleston defense, allowing a Mountain Lion attacker to break through one-on-one with Ines Degli Esposti. The Concord forward chipped the goalkeeper to cut the Golden Eagles' lead to 2-1.
The hosts continued to threaten, nearly finding an equalizer on another ball played over the top. The attacker worked the ball onto her right foot and fired a shot, but Degli Esposti came up with an important save. Charleston also received a break in the 64th minute when a Concord free kick struck the crossbar.
From there, the match became a battle as both teams struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Charleston limited Concord's chances down the stretch and held on to secure a hard-fought 2-1 road victory.
Up Next
Charleston will travel to face West Virginia State University on Wednesday, October 28, at 6 p.m. for an MEC rivalry matchup.
