FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The West Virginia State University soccer team edged Fairmont State University 3-2 on Sunday at Duvall-Rosier Field. The Yellow Jackets secured the victory with a hat trick from their leading scorer. The Falcons mounted a comeback with two goals in the second half but fell short as the Yellow Jackets maintained their narrow lead.
The first half began with the Falcons pressing forward as
Braylyn Sparks took an early shot that went high. Despite their efforts, the Yellow Jackets capitalized on their opportunities with Leila Karam scoring twice in quick succession at the 8th and 11th minutes, both assisted by Sara París Fílter. This early offensive burst by the visitors set the pace for the half.
The Falcons responded with several attempts, including shots from
Valentina Gianinetto and
Filippa Stalhammar, both of which were saved by the Yellow Jackets' goalkeeper, Poppy Bastock. Despite multiple corner kick opportunities, the Falcons were unable to convert these into goals. The half closed with the Falcons trailing 2-0 as they headed into the break, looking to regroup and strategize for the second half.
The second half began with the Falcons seeking to close the gap. Early attempts from
Ava Yannucci and Sparks were denied by the opposing goalkeeper, Bastock. Gianinetto then broke through with a penalty kick goal at the 54:01 mark, narrowing the margin to one. The Yellow Jackets responded quickly, extending their lead with a goal by Karam in the 59th minute, assisted by Hannah Aneley Nuñez Perreira.
The Falcons continued to press, maintaining offensive pressure and earning multiple corner kicks. In the 86th minute,
Montserrat Diaz, assisted by Stalhammar and
Dayra Dinarte, found the back of the net to bring the score closer. Despite a strong effort to equalize, the half concluded with the Falcons trailing 3-2.
Gianinetto scored one goal for the Falcons, converting both of her shots into shots on goal. Diaz also added a goal, with two of her three attempts on target. Stalhammar contributed an assist while also placing her only shot on goal. In the goalkeeping department,
Olivia Johnston recorded one save during her 90 minutes on the field.
Fairmont State (6-1-1, 4-1-1) remains at home to face West Virginia Wesleyan College on Wednesday, October 8. Start time from Duvall-Rosier Field is set for 7:00 p.m.
