WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty fell to Shawnee State, 1-0, on Sunday at the West Family Athletic Complex despite holding a 9-7 advantage in shots and an 8-4 edge in corner kicks.
The Hilltoppers and Bears each put four shots on goal, but Shawnee State's Marc Garcia Oliver broke the scoreless deadlock with a 73rd-minute goal that proved to be the difference.
West Liberty created several quality chances throughout the match, with
Ethan Nethery,
Leyton Collier and
Zachary Jordan each recording two shots to lead the Hilltoppers' attack.
The Hilltoppers put three shots on goal during the opening half, with Jordan,
Leandre Tyssandier and Collier each forcing a save from Shawnee State goalkeeper Eduardo Pena.
Shai'ya Fitzgerald made two saves for West Liberty before halftime, while the Bears also hit the woodwork late in the opening 45 minutes as the teams went to the break scoreless.
Shawnee State broke through in the 73rd minute, but West Liberty responded with a strong late push.
Nethery hit the woodwork in the 79th minute before Pena denied
Kevin Teather during a corner-heavy stretch in the 83rd minute. Pena finished with four saves to preserve the Bears' shutout.
Fitzgerald started in goal for the Hilltoppers and recorded three saves during 69:04 of action without allowing a goal. West Liberty's goalkeeping group finished with three saves on Shawnee State's four shots on goal.
Collier led West Liberty with two shots, including one on goal, while Jordan also recorded two shots with one on frame. Nethery added two shots and hit the woodwork during the Hilltoppers' late offensive push.
West Liberty was whistled for 13 fouls and two yellow cards, while Shawnee State was called for eight fouls and received four yellow cards.
The Hilltoppers return to action Wednesday when they visit Salem.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at
westliberty.edu.
