CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Wesleyan women’s soccer team grabbed an important victory Sunday afternoon, securing a 1–0 shutout victory over Mountain East Conference foe Charleston at the Welch Athletic Complex.
Freshman defender Kaydence Bonneau delivered the decisive goal in the 44th minute, finishing from close range after a late first-half corner kick sequence. The tally marked Bonneau’s first goal of the season and provided the only scoring in a tightly contested match between two evenly matched sides.
Senior goalkeeper Maite Coutinho anchored the Lady Bobcat defense with a commanding performance in net, turning away all seven shots on goal by the Golden Eagles. Wesleyan’s defense—anchored by Bonneau, Natalie Carlock, Kierra Hoiler, and Carlie Ice—weathered a late flurry from Charleston, including four saves by Coutinho in the second half.
The Lady Bobcats outshot the Golden Eagles 14–13 overall and placed six shots on frame. Sofia Avila, Paloma Zamora, and Isabella Mazza all created chances in the attacking third, while Ava Badallo and Sydne Alexander each tested Charleston keeper Ines Degli Esposti, who made five saves of her own.
Despite an aggressive push by Charleston in the final 20 minutes—including nine second-half shots and three corner kicks—Wesleyan’s organized defense and timely clearances preserved the one-goal advantage.
The win keeps Wesleyan at the fourth spot in the Mountain East South Division, just two points behind Charleston. With three MEC contests to play, the Bobcats need fourth place or better to clinch a post-season berth in the conference playoffs.
Wesleyan goes to league-leading West Virginia State University on Wednesday, Oct. 29 for a 6 p.m. start with the Yellow Jackets. The Lady Bobcats lost a 4-0 decision at home to State earlier in the season.
