WEST LIBERTY — The West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcat men faced a tough road test Sunday afternoon, falling 4–0 to West Liberty University at the West Family Complex. The Hilltoppers struck twice in each half to pull away, despite a resilient effort from goalkeeper Matteo Marciani, who recorded 11 saves in the match.
The Hilltoppers applied early offensive pressure, earning multiple corners in the opening minutes. Wesleyan’s Adam Gribben provided the Bobcats’ first look on goal in the fourth minute, but West Liberty goalkeeper Shai’ya Henry made the stop to keep the score level.
West Liberty finally broke through in the 33rd minute when Alex Anderson converted off a combination play from Leyton Collier and Lachlan Quate, giving the hosts a 1–0 advantage. The Hilltoppers doubled their lead just seven minutes later, as Quate finished a cross from Travis Scandalis to make it 2–0 at halftime.
Marciani continued to anchor the Bobcat defense with several key saves early in the second period. Jeremy Feaster nearly cut into the deficit in the 46th minute with a shot to the lower corner, but Henry was there again for the save.
The Bobcats head north to D’Youville University (Pa.) for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
