BUCKHANNON —West Virginia Wesleyan secured a hard-fought 2–2 draw against West Liberty on Wednesday evening at Culpepper Stadium. The Bobcats struck early through midfielder Erik Rostoen and battled back late for the point behind a clutch finish from Aidan Clayton.
Wesleyan wasted little time asserting itself in the opening half, applying pressure through midfield possession and quick transitions. In the 18th minute, Casey Bunker served a crisp cross into the box that found Rostoen, who calmly placed his shot past the West Liberty goalkeeper Emil Vernhamn to give the Bobcats a 1–0 advantage.
The goal marked Rostoen’s second of the season and Bunker’s second assist. The Bobcats’ defense, anchored by Roneba Cordice, Hayden Dodd, and Noel Ellis, limited West Liberty to just four first-half shots, helping preserve the lead into the break.
West Liberty regrouped in the second half and took advantage of a few early opportunities. In the 56th minute, E.J. Sablan capitalized on a loose ball in front of goal to tie the match at 1–1. The visitors then pulled ahead seven minutes later when Gustaf Bellander finished a cross from Leandre Tyssandier to give West Liberty a 2–1 edge.
Despite conceding twice, Wesleyan goalkeeper Matteo Marciani came up with several key stops and commanded his area effectively, helping keep the Bobcats within striking distance.
The Bobcats continued to press forward, with substitutions providing a much-needed spark. Clayton entered the match and made an immediate impact in the 74th minute. After Wesleyan earned a corner, the ball fell to Clayton at the top of the box, and he buried his shot to bring the score level at 2–2.
Wesleyan generated additional chances late through Caden Carpenter and Vito Stanic, but Vernhamn turned away both efforts as the match closed in a stalemate.
Rostoen and Clayton combined for four of Wesleyan’s six shots on goal, while Bunker contributed an assist and several key attacking runs. The Bobcats’ back line absorbed pressure from a physical West Liberty side that attempted seven second-half shots.
Wesleyan travels to the University of Charleston Sunday, Oct. 26 for a 4 p.m. kickoff with the Golden Eagles.
