BRIDGEPORT — The West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats generated consistent offensive pressure Wednesday night but couldn’t find the back of the net in a 3–0 road setback to Salem University at The Bridge.
Wesleyan (3–10–3, 2–8–2 MEC) outshot the Tigers 18–13 overall and held a 6–1 advantage in corner kicks but were unable to overcome a first-half scoring surge from Salem.
Salem capitalized on three chances in a 19-minute span to take control of the match. The Tigers opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Nicholas Vieyra converted a pass from Josue Villegas. Villegas then doubled the lead with a goal of his own in the 39th minute before Copper West added another two minutes later to make it 3–0.
Despite trailing at the break, Wesleyan’s attack was active early and often. Caden Carpenter, Roneba Cordice, and Casey Bunker combined for nine first-half shots, with Bunker narrowly missing on a strike that struck the post in the 15th minute. Salem goalkeeper Jason Barrientos came up big for the home team, recording five first-half saves to maintain the shutout.
The Bobcats controlled possession for much of the second half and continued to create quality chances. Sante Klosterman, Jeremy Feaster, and Adam Gribben each placed shots on frame, but Barrientos remained steady to finish with eight total saves.
Defensively, Matteo Marciani kept Wesleyan competitive with seven saves between the posts.
The Bobcats return to Culpepper Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2 to host Frostburg State University at 3:30. Wesleyan will recognize its seniors before the game.
