By Kendrick Jackson, Contributing Writer
West Liberty soccer returns home this afternoon to take on the Blue Knights of Urbana University in a doubleheader. As the Lady Toppers still search for their first win of the season, the men’s team looks to sustain momentum after two consecutive wins.
Our Lady Toppers return home this afternoon after four consecutive road games. During this stretch, WLU compiled three losses and a 0-0 split against Fairmont State last Sunday. As of today, the Black and Gold rank fourth place of the Mountain East Conference North Division.
With seven starters returning, including 2017 MEC second-team honoree Caitlin Devries, Barry Christmas’s Lady Hilltoppers haven’t lived up to expectations thus far. However, West Liberty will have the benefit of home-field advantage in their next five games.
After being picked to finish the MEC North Division dead last this season, the Lady Blue Knights of Urbana have exceeded all expectations. Winners of two consecutive games, Urbana will look for win number three this afternoon.
2017 All-MEC Freshmen Team honoree, Alyssa Edwards, has been on a scoring tear lately for Urbana. The sophomore forward has scored four goals in the last four games, including two goals against Wheeling Jesuit.
The second game of the doubleheader this afternoon sees the men’s team of WLU and Urbana matchup. As of today, the Hilltoppers currently sit in the middle of the pack with a record of 2-3-0.
After losing their first three games of the season, West Lib has found recent success after two straight wins. This is in large part of the smart defensive play by WLU goalie Florian Dupuis. During this winning streak, Dupuis has not allowed any goals, including nine saves.
Alderson Broaddus transfer standout, Chaz Rodeheaver, has also been really good for the Black and Gold. The midfielder has scored two goals thus far this season, including the lone goal in their win against West Virginia Wesleyan last Sunday.
The Blue Knights only sit two spots higher than the Hilltoppers in the MEC. Urbana comes into this game fresh off a 3-0 win against Shepherd University. Junior midfielder Jasminko Dizdarevic scored two of his five goals this season during the shutout.
Coverage of the WLU-Urbana games begin at the Hilltopper soccer complex this afternoon at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively.
Photo Credit: Hilltoppersports.com
