Fairmont, WV – The Golden Eagles were back on the road Wednesday, taking on undefeated Fairmont State University in another Mountain East Conference matchup.
The Basics
- Location: Duval-Rosier Field
- Final Score: UC 0, FSU 2
- Records: Charleston (4-5-3, 4-3-3 MEC), Fairmont State (10-0-2, 8-0-2 MEC)
How It Happened
Fairmont State came out with pressure from the opening whistle, controlling possession and looking to test the Golden Eagles early. The Falcons recorded the first shot of the game from distance, but Ines Degli Esposti was there to make the comfortable save. Fairmont continued to control the possession before breaking through in the 23rd minute. After winning the ball near the center circle, the Falcons found a runner down the left side, who cut inside before sending a perfectly placed cross across the box for a one-time finish to give Fairmont a 1-0 lead.
Charleston responded by settling into the match and creating longer spells of possession. Nele Schuppe recorded the Golden Eagles' first shot of the game in the 33rd minute, but the attempt was comfortably saved. In the 42nd minute, Alyssa LoGuercio tried her luck from distance, but her shot sailed over the crossbar. Fairmont State took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The Golden Eagles came out of the break with renewed energy. Just over a minute into the second half, Sydney Crowe drove down the right side and delivered a dangerous cross to Anaé Buehlmann. Buehlmann attempted a first-time finish after the ball bounced, but her shot went just wide of the post. The match settled into a physical battle from there, with both teams struggling to generate clear scoring opportunities. In the 75th minute, Fairmont's high press resulted in a shot from outside the box, but Degli Esposti was in position to make the save.
Fairmont eventually doubled its advantage in the 83rd minute. The Falcons broke through Charleston's high press and worked the ball to the top of the box. After an initial shot was blocked, the rebound fell back to a Fairmont forward, who fired a volley into the net to make it 2-0.
Charleston continued to battle until the final whistle but was unable to find a goal, as Fairmont State held on for the 2-0 victory.
Up Next
Charleston returns to the Welch Athletic Complex on Sunday at 1 p.m. to take on Point Park.
