BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — A strong second-half surge powered West Liberty University past Salem University on Wednesday evening, handing the Tigers a 3-0 loss at The Bridge. Despite generating several quality looks in the opening period, Salem was unable to convert before the Hilltoppers broke open a scoreless match after halftime.
The Tigers put together an active first half, outshooting West Liberty 6-3 across the opening 45 minutes. Early shots on goal from Tommy Sowinski and Josue Villegas tested Hilltopper goalkeeper Shai'ya Fitzgerald, while Jordan Johnson nearly put Salem ahead in the 17th minute when his strike rattled off the top woodwork.
However, West Liberty seized control shortly after the intermission. Zachary Jordan broke the deadlock in the 48th minute off a setup from Leyton Collier to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
The Hilltoppers expanded their advantage in the 73rd minute when Omar Cortez finished an assist from Wilson Hanna. Martin Medancic then capped off the scoring for West Liberty with a late goal in the 88th minute to seal the 3-0 result.
Villegas and Sowinski anchored the Tigers' attack with two shots each, while Cannen Claudio, Jordan Johnson, and Noah Kostanian Urvik also registered attempts. Salem goalkeeper Gregory Lynch collected four saves on the night.
