CHARLESTON —West Virginia Wesleyan men’s soccer dropped an MEC contest on the road Sunday afternoon, falling 4–0 to nationally-ranked University of Charleston at the Welch Athletic Complex
The Bobcats (3–9–3, 2–8–2 MEC) held firm through the opening 20 minutes against the unbeaten Golden Eagles (12–0–3, 9–0–2 MEC). Goalkeeper Matteo Marciani was immediately tested, turning away several early attempts from Charleston’s aggressive attack. UC’s breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Leonardo Dutra converted a penalty kick to give Charleston a 1–0 edge
Wesleyan continued to defend valiantly into the second half, with Marciani collecting a total of eight saves on the day. However, Charleston’s relentless pressure broke through again in the 54th minute when Jose Suarez Monaco scored from close range off an assist by Sam Newell. The Golden Eagles extended their lead with another penalty from Caio Moraes in the 78th minute and capped the scoring two minutes later when Denys Verbinskyi finished a feed from Tomas Muller
Charleston dominated possession and outshot Wesleyan 31–1, including a 12–0 edge in shots on goal. The Bobcats’ lone attempt came in the 80th minute when defender Roneba Cordice pushed forward and fired wide. The Golden Eagles also held a 13–1 advantage in corner kicks, underscoring their attacking control.
Wesleyan received yellow cards from Abdul Bediako (22′) and Sante Klosterman (50′),
The Bobcats play Salem University at The Bridge in Bridgeport Wednesday, Oct. 29 for an afternoon 2:30 start.
