PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcat men’s soccer team showed flashes of promise and resilience Wednesday evening at Highmark Stadium, but it wasn’t enough to overcome an early three-goal deficit as the Bobcats fell 4–1 to Point Park University in conference action. Freshman Lis Shala netted the lone goal for Wesleyan in the 82nd minute, his first in a WVWC uniform.
Wesleyan’s defense was under pressure early, and Point Park capitalized quickly. The Pioneers opened the scoring in the 7th minute when Fridolin Gefrorer finished off a setup from Lorenzo Grispello. Despite a saved penalty attempt by Casey Bunker at the 13-minute mark that could have equalized the match, Point Park continued to apply pressure.
The hosts added two more goals before halftime — a solo effort from Giovanni Pezzi in the 42nd minute and a strike by Cheroky Briard just seconds before the break — sending the Bobcats into halftime down 3-0
After a fourth goal by Guilherme Galvao in the 54th minute put the match seemingly out of reach, the Bobcats found energy in the closing stages. Wesleyan increased their offensive output, recording six second-half shots, three of which were on target.
In the 82nd minute, Colten Workman threaded an assist into the box, where Lis Shala slotted home a low finish for his first collegiate goal — and Wesleyan’s first tally of the season.
Matteo Marciani started in net for the Bobcats, recording two incredible saves but conceding four goals in 80 minutes of play. Freshman Bryce Burkhart came on for the final nine minutes and helped close the match without conceding.
The loss drops the Bobcats to 0-4 on the season, while Point Park improves to 2-2.
The Bobcats return to Mountain East Conference play this weekend, with a home match against Wheeling University. Kickoff is Sunday, Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m.
