Charleston, WV – The Golden Eagles returned to the Welch Athletic Complex on Wednesday afternoon, hosting another Mountain East Conference opponent in West Liberty University. Charleston controlled the game from the opening whistle, scoring three goals on its way to a 3-0 victory over the Hilltoppers
The Basics
- Location: Welch Athletic Complex
- Final Score: UC 3, WLU 0
- Records: Charleston (3-3-2, 3-1-2 MEC), West Liberty (1-6-1, 1-5-0 MEC)
How It Happened
Charleston came out attacking from the start, with Sydney Crowe recording the first shot of the game just 30 seconds into the contest, but her attempt sailed high. The Golden Eagles continued to control possession and create opportunities, with Crowe testing the West Liberty goalkeeper again in the 12th minute. Charleston broke through in the 23rd minute. Abigail Harrison beat her defender on the right wing before sending a cross into the box. Ciara Casamento got on the end of the delivery, and although her initial shot was saved, she stayed with the play and finished the rebound to give the Golden Eagles a 1-0 lead.
Less than a minute later, Charleston doubled its advantage. Li-Lou Debaecker played the ball from the right side into Harrison, who moved inside before calmly finishing into the opposite corner to make it 2-0. The Golden Eagles continued to apply pressure throughout the remainder of the first half. In the 40th minute, Jennifer McArthur nearly added a third when she headed a corner kick toward goal, but the attempt went just wide.
Charleston picked up where it left off in the second half, continuing to create chances. Emilía Dís Óskarsdóttir and Crowe each had opportunities early in the half, but neither could find the target. The Golden Eagles eventually added their third goal in the 58th minute. Allison Freese sent a long cross into the box from deep, where Óskarsdóttir battled with a West Liberty defender for the ball. The ball fell behind them to Crowe, who finished with a right-footed volley to extend Charleston's lead to 3-0.
West Liberty began to generate more opportunities following the goal, but goalkeeper Ines Degli Esposti came up with two important saves in the 68th and 71st minutes to keep the Hilltoppers off the scoreboard. Charleston continued to show its depth throughout the closing minutes, with 19 Golden Eagles seeing action in the match. The UC defense remained strong to secure the shutout and complete the 3-0 victory.
Charleston finished the match with 24 shots, including 10 on target. Harrison led the Golden Eagles with a goal and an assist.
Up Next
Charleston will return to the road on Sunday, September 27, traveling to Frostburg State for a noon kickoff.
