FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The 21st-ranked Fairmont State women's soccer team (10-0-2, 8-0-2) defeated the University of Charleston (4-5-3, 4-3-3) 2-0 on Wednesday at Duvall-Rosier Field. The Falcons finished with a 9-7 edge in shots and a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal, with their goalkeeper making two saves in the shutout.
The Falcons broke through at 23:41 when
Braylyn Sparks scored off an assist from
Arrington Sparks, giving the Falcons a 1-0 lead. Early in the first half, the Falcons created the first chances of the half, with
Dayra Dinarte and
Valentina Gianinetto each putting shots on frame that were saved, along with a corner kick in the 14th minute.
Charleston pushed back after the goal, but
Olivia Johnston saved a Nele Schuppe shot in the 34th minute and the Falcons got through additional pressure that included a corner kick and two Alyssa LoGuercio shots off target. The closing stretch grew physical with multiple fouls, and
Addison Castaneda added a late Falcons shot before the half ended with the Falcons ahead 1-0.
Dahlia Welter gave the Falcons their second-half breakthrough at 83:48, scoring to extend the Falcons' lead from 1-0 to 2-0. The Falcons generated pressure early in the half with a corner kick in the opening minute, a
Braylyn Sparks shot in the 61st minute and later attempts from
Maria Day and
Payton Parliament, whose 75:34 shot was saved by Ines Degli Esposti.
The middle of the half became more physical, with the teams combining for five fouls between 63:51 and 73:20 before the Falcons turned their attacking stretch into Welter's goal. Charleston pushed late, but Johnston saved Alyssa LoGuercio's shot at 87:03 before Sydney Crowe hit the woodwork in the 90th minute, and the Falcons finished off the 2-0 win.
Braylyn Sparks scored the game-winning goal and finished with two shots, putting one on frame. Welter added an unassisted goal on two shots, including one on goal.
Arrington Sparks recorded an assist for the Falcons. Johnston played all 90 minutes in goal, made two saves and recorded a shutout.
Fairmont State hits the road for its next two matches starting on Sunday, October 11 at Concord University. Start time is slated for 1:00 p.m.
