WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The Frostburg State Men's Soccer team picked up their third straight win Wednesday evening, taking down West Liberty on the road with a final score of 2-1.
West Liberty got the first look at goal to start the game, ripping a shot at goal that was sent out out right. The Hilltoppers continued to apply offensive pressure early on, receiving two corner kicks and belting another shot at goal that was then sent left. Frostburg started to take over, taking the ball to their offensive half for two shots and two corner kicks, with shots being sent in from senior Randy Ferrin and sophomore Tom Leinhos. Both teams continued to hold the ball offensively, each trading shots at goal, with seniors Alex Retzos, Zach Harpel, and Ferrin, along with sophomore Hugo Portillo setting themselves up with chances at goal. After about three minutes of back and forth play, Portillo was able to find junior Carlos Quintero Rivas on the other side for a score, and a 1-0 Frostburg lead midway through the first half.
The Hilltoppers looked to responded right away, firing back-to-back shots at goal, as freshman goalkeeper Jan Foret earned his first save of the night. WLU continued to look for answers over the next span of minutes, but Foret again stood in the way of their next attempt. Retzos tried to add to FSU's lead, but sent his try wide left with 10 minutes remaining in the first. After Foret picked up yet another save, West Liberty was able to get one by, sending the game into the break with a 1-1 tie.
The Bobcats earned a corner kick to start the second half, looking to jump back in the lead, but were unable to put together a shot. WLU then dribbled down field to set up their offense, sending a shot in on target, but Foret earned himself another save. Both teams traded shots, before both Ferrin and senior Caleb Dell tried efforts at goal but were unable to hit the back of the net.
Both teams saw slow play over the next span of minutes, as the Bobcats set up for two corner kicks compared to the Hilltopper's one, with both teams unable to set up a shot off the inbound. With just over 10 minutes left to play, Harpel came in off the bench, right away finding graduate Alex Flores for his first goal of the season, putting FSU back in front 2-1. The frustration of WLU started to show, as both teams showed some chippy plays to earn the ball. West Liberty had four more chances at goal, but Foret came up big racking up three saves to keep FSU in front for the 2-1 victory.
West Liberty held the slight advantage in shots 15-12 and corner kicks 11-8, but Foret came out on top with a game-high seven saves in goal. With now five wins to start the year, Frostburg is off to their best start since the 2015 season.
With the victory, Frostburg improves to 5-1, while West Liberty drops to 2-4-1. The Bobcats continue their time on the road, facing No. 15 Concord on Sunday, September 29 at 3:30 PM. For more information and updates, please visit frostburgsports.com.
