FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- The Fairmont State University women's soccer team returned home to face Concord University in an MEC cross-division battle. The Falcons scored the lone goal in the second half to defeat the Mountain Lions, 2-1.

From the opening kick, Concord (3-4-1, 3-2-1) controlled play with a shot off the left woodwork followed by another shot on goal but Olivia Johnston made the save. Fairmont State (5-2-1, 4-1-0) started to show its own offensive life as Filippa Stalhammar had consecutive shots with one on goal as it was stopped.

In the 27th minute, Ashley Rainho found herself in the middle of the field and took a shot on target. The Concord goal keeper tried to make the save but was just out of her reach as the Falcons went ahead, 1-0. 

The lead was unfortunately short-lived as the Mountain Lions scored five minutes later to even the game at one. Serenity Thomas fired the final shot of the half but it was captured by the visiting netminder. At the half, the two teams were even at one.

First few minutes of the second half saw play in the middle of the field until the 50th minute. Lauren Dye handled the Fairmont State throw-in as she placed the ball into open field as Sam Yuen was able to turn and shoot on net. The ball found the back of the goal in the lower left corner to give the Falcons the 2-1 lead.

The Mountain Lions started to apply some offensive pressure with a couple of shots on goal but Johnston stopped each one. Both sides started to go back-and-forth as they traded shots but the keepers stood tall. With just a little over two minutes left, Concord took two more shots including one that neared the goal line but Johnston made the saves and secured the one-goal victory.

The Falcons had seven shots on goal compared to six for Concord. Johnston finished the night with five saves while the Mountain Lions held the advantage in corner kicks, eight to four.

Fairmont State continues its stretch against cross-division opponents on Sunday, October 6 as it faces West Virginia State University. First kick is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.