Concord Opens Conference Play With Win over Wheeling Jesuit

ATHENS, W.Va- The Concord University women's soccer team picked up its first win of the year in a 2-1 victory over Wheeling Jesuit in Mountain East Conference action Tuesday afternoon at Anderson. 

Concord improves to 1-1 on the season, while Wheeling Jesuit drops to 1-2 overall.  

Concord and WJU each notched several attempts at goal to open the game, but neither could find the net.  

Freshman midfielder Megan Walsh entered the game in the 17th minute only to make an impact just six minutes later as she ran onto a threaded pass from sophomore forward Pilar Elias before slotting the ball into the far corner of the net.  

WJU looked to respond quickly afterwards, firing four more shots before the end of the half with two going wide of the goal and two blocked by the Concord defense.  

The Cardinals equalized five minutes after halftime as a scrum in the box off a corner kick ensued. WJU's Jenny Soegaard was on hand to tap in the goal after the ball bounced around in the penalty area to tie the game at one.

The Mountain Lions took the lead once again after senior forward Emily Cole fired a hard shot that was initially saved by WJU goalkeeper Hannah Thompson. Elias, trailing on the play, tapped in the rebound at the far post to restore the one goal advantage for CU, 2-1.

WJU tried to respond almost immediately as Karly Judy looked to slide the ball in at the far post. Sophomore defender Joanna Aiello managed to get a foot in to clear the ball off of the goal line and preserve the lead.  

CU held off a late charge by the Cardinals to win its first game of the season.     

Sophomore goalkeeper Simpkins had eight saves for the Mountain Lions in between the posts. Walsh scored her first collegiate goal, while Elias notched her fifth career goal for the Maroon and Gray while assisting on Walsh's goal.

WJU outshot the Mountain Lions 21-11, with nine attempts on goal for the Cardinals to CU's six. 

The win marks the first career victory for ead coach Luke Duffy.  

The Mountain Lions head to Fairmont State for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff Friday.