BUCKHANNON, W. Va. — The West Virginia Wesleyan College men's soccer team suffered a 6-0 defeat at home against West Liberty University on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Culpepper Stadium. Facing an aggressive attack from the opening kickoff, the Bobcats were unable to turn back the Hilltoppers offense that struck three times in each half.

West Liberty established control early in the opening period, opening the scoring in the ninth minute when Julius Aschmann found the net. Less than two minutes later, Alec Aceves doubled the lead for the visitors off a setup pass from Barney Cowan. The Hilltoppers extended their advantage to 3-0 in the 40th minute when Jasper Newton converted an assist from E.J. Sablan. Starting goalkeeper Lucas Fry handled the first 45 minutes in goal for Wesleyan, making two saves before halftime.

Wesleyan made adjustments during the break and generated increased offensive pressure in the second period, taking all nine of its total shots during the final 45 minutes. Subbing into goal for the second half, Mathias Kasseth anchored the backline with five saves. However, West Liberty added to its tally in the 54th minute on a goal from Barney Cowan before capping the scoring late with consecutive strikes from Ian Stempler and Brian Russell.

Despite the deficit, the Bobcats created several quality scoring opportunities down the stretch. Hassan Hakim forced two saves from West Liberty keeper Shai'ya Fitzgerald in rapid succession during the 77th minute, while Aidan Clayton placed a shot on target in the 68th minute. Lis Shala, Abdul Bediako, Jason Brufau, and Romario Sambrano also generated late scoring attempts for Wesleyan. Fitzgerald turned away all three on-target efforts to complete the clean sheet for West Liberty.

In the final match statistics, West Liberty held a 21–9 advantage in total shots and a 13–3 edge in shots on goal. Wesleyan held a 3–2 advantage in corner kicks, while Fry and Kasseth combined for seven saves in goal. Wesleyan committed 12 fouls with yellow cards issued to Andres Restrepo and Levi Smith, while West Liberty recorded six fouls and three yellow cards.


The Bobcats are back in action this Wednesday against Charleston. Let's Go Cats!