Institute, WV – The Golden Eagles closed out their regular season on the road, taking on cross-town rival West Virginia State in their final matchup before the MEC Tournament.

The Basics

• Location: Lakin-Ray at Dickerson Stadium
• Final Score: UC 1, WVSU 1
• Records: Charleston (6-7-5, 6-5-5 MEC), West Virginia State (9-3-6, 9-2-5 MEC)

How It Happened
West Virginia State came out aggressively, recording the first shot of the game just 17 seconds into the match, although it posed no danger to Charleston. The Yellow Jackets threatened again a few minutes later, forcing Ines Degli Esposti to make her first save of the afternoon. Charleston recorded its first shot in the 12th minute when a long ball over the defense sent Abigail Harrison through on a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper. However, the West Virginia State keeper made an excellent save to keep the game scoreless.
The Yellow Jackets eventually broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Following a long free kick into the box, a West Virginia State player found herself unmarked and fired a first-time shot into the net to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.

The opening 15 minutes of the second half featured a tightly contested battle, with neither side willing to give up another goal. Charleston finally found its breakthrough in the 60th minute, with its first shot of the half resulting in the equalizer. Ciara Casamento played Zailee Roberts down the left wing, and Roberts delivered a first-time cross into the box for Anaé Buehlmann, who rose to head the ball into the top corner and level the score at 1-1. With 20 minutes remaining, Jamie Bland nearly gave the Golden Eagles the lead with a free kick, but the West Virginia State goalkeeper made an excellent save to push the ball away for a corner.
The Yellow Jackets recorded the final two shots of the contest, but neither seriously threatened the Charleston goal. Neither team could find a late winner, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw as the Golden Eagles wrapped up their regular season.

Up Next
Charleston will travel to Frostburg State on Sunday, November 1, for the opening round of the MEC Tournament. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.