No. 22 women’s soccer extends unbeaten streak
WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The 22nd-ranked Fairmont State women’s soccer team (14-0-3, 12-0-3) defeated West Liberty (2-13-2, 2-12-1) 2-1 on Sunday. The Falcons held the Hilltoppers scoreless after halftime and finished with a 15-7 advantage in shots, while their goalkeeper made six saves.
Valentina Gianinetto equalized for the Falcons in the 16th minute, answering the Hilltoppers’ early goal and making it 1-1. At the start of the half, the Falcons created multiple looks around the opening score, including Maria Day’s shot off the top woodwork, Braylyn Sparks’ attempt off the right woodwork and Elisa Dinaldo’s shot saved by Kaisa Vale.
Olivia Johnston kept the Falcons level with saves in the sixth, seventh and 43rd minutes, while the Falcons also recorded a corner kick and an Agnes Bjork shot during a physical middle stretch that included several fouls and a Hilltoppers yellow card. The Falcons held the 1-1 score through the end of the first half.
Pedias put the Falcons ahead late, scoring off Sam Yuen’s assist at 80:11 to move the Falcons in front 2-1. With the match tied 1-1, the Falcons created a run of chances from 51:11 to 58:14, getting shots from Dayra Dinarte, Braylyn Sparks and Yuen along with a corner kick.
The Falcons also worked through a physical stretch from 67:47 to 76:48 that included five combined fouls and cards, while Johnston kept the Hilltoppers off the board with saves in the 70th, 80th and 82nd minutes. The Falcons added late pressure with a corner in the 83rd minute and shots from Gianinetto and Dinarte in the final two minutes, closing out the second half and the match with a 2-1 win.
Pedias scored the game-winning goal and finished with two shots, putting one on goal. Gianinetto added an unassisted goal on two shots, including one on goal. Yuen recorded an assist and put one of her two shots on goal. Johnston made six saves over 90 minutes in goal.
Fairmont State concludes the regular season on Wednesday, October 28 at Frostburg State University to decide the Mountain East Conference North Division. First kick is slated for 5:00 p.m.
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