When playing a cross town rival, there is no doubt going to be added tension between the two clubs, which is exactly what transpired during Friday’s tilt between West Liberty University and Wheeling University. The West Liberty University women’s soccer team began the doubleheader against Wheeling University, and looked fantastic while doing so.

As the first half bled on, the average spectator could easily tell that the Lady Hilltoppers were simply faster, stronger, and smarter than the Lady Cardinals. West Liberty was winning battles in the midfield consistently, much to the frustration of Wheeling. With the constant knocking on the door for WLU, it was only a matter of time before they found themselves a tally. Finally, they did just that, as sophomore forward Millie Colbran netted her first collegiate goal to give the Lady Hilltoppers a 1-0 lead. Shortly after, sophomore forward Lexie Mullen followed with an incredible insurance goal to cap off a 2-0 win for West Liberty. WLU’s eye popping seventeen shot attempts highlights how successfully the game went for the team. The ladies now hold a record of 1-1-1 this season narrowly missing out 1-0 to Notre Dame College (Ohio) and drawing 0-0 with Fairmont State University.

Much of the same can be said about the men’s team, however, their display of talent was primarily in the second half and beyond. Much like the women’s team, Head Coach Sean Regan’s men put up a staggering 22 shot attempts against Wheeling. The Cardinals took the early lead against West Liberty, as Ceasar Coello netted one nineteen minutes into the game following an unfortunate defensive error.

The contest between the two teams was an undisciplined one, with 13 yellow cards. However, what shifted the momentum of the game was a red card given to Wheeling, which handicapped their rotation. With the extra man advantage for the rest of the contest, the Hilltoppers took advantage. In the eightieth minute, senior striker Josh Yeamen netted the equalizer for the Hilltoppers after an assist from freshman forward Vitor Otsuka, which ultimately sent the match into overtime.
In the second half of overtime, as the game appeared as if it was going to end in a draw, Josh Yeamen scored once more following a good touch from senior defender and vice-captain Mikel Ubeda, giving the Hilltoppers their first victory with just seven seconds left on the clock. The Hilltoppers now hold a 1-2 record this season.

It was a much needed first victory for both Hilltopper teams, and an even better one coming against arch rival Wheeling University. The Lady Toppers will be back in action Friday against West Virginia State University. The men’s team have an away visit against Davis and Elkins on Friday as well.