PHILLIPI, W.Va. -- Tanner Amos' goal in the 68th minute was the difference in a thrilling 2-1 victory for West Virginia Wesleyan (2-0-0) men's soccer at Alderson Broaddus (Wednesday night (Sept. 8).
 
"Tonight was all about character," coach Josh Spencer said. "Last season we came up short here, but I'm so proud of the group for sticking together and getting the job done."
 
Both teams patiently felt out the game's pace in the first half while managing the rainy turf at the Multi-Sport Performance Stadium in Phillipi. However, Connor Hartwell would put an end to that midway through the half. While Nika Monaselidze dribbled his way up the right wing, Hartwell maneuvered his way inside the box. After a Monaselidze cross found the head of Hartwell, the English captain continued his scoring ways and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner past the Battler keeper.
 
After a 30 minute delay due to lightning, the Orange & Black maintained the 1-0 lead heading into the half.
 
In the second half, Monaselidze secured the ball in AB's final third and sent a pass for Amos. Amos split two Battler defenders and beat the goalkeeper on his right side to put the Bobcats ahead  2-0 with 22 minutes left to play.
 
The Battlers did not let the 'Cats walk out easily. 14 minutes later, Nathan Djona played Andrea Rossak clear past the Bobcat backline. Rossak calmly struck the ball off his right foot and beat Logan Nelson to the bottom left corner to bring the Battlers within one. Alderson Broaddus did not muster anything else the rest of the way, eventually leading to the 2-1 victory by the Bobcats.
 
WVWC will be back in action on Wednesday, Sept. 15 Wheeling visits Culpepper Stadium at 4 p.m.