INSTITUTE, W.Va. — The WVSU women's soccer team will face its toughest challenge so far this season with the Mountain East opener against perennial powerhouse Concord University on Wednesday. The Yellow Jackets will then open up home conference play when Glenville State takes the field at Dickerson Stadium trying to get their first-ever victory against the Yellow Jackets.

THE BUZZ AT STATE

The Yellow Jackets have finished non-conference play unscathed for the first time in program history, with victories against the University of Indianapolis and Shaw University. 

The Jackets fell to Concord at home last year, followed by a late-game rally in Beckley that ended in the draw. The Jackets have never lost to the Pioneers, and haven't been scored on by them since their first meeting on March 5, 2021. Since then, the Yellow Jackets have outscored the Pioneers 15-1 through four contests, including a 3-0 victory on the road and a 2-0 victory at home last season.

Fran Soares-Cupertino leads the scoring offense for State with three goals, followed closely by Brooklyn Pritt with two goals and an assist. Starting goalkeeper Laura Galindo has only allowed two goals all season.

SCOUTING THE MOUNTAIN LIONS

Concord was ranked #12 in the United Soccer Coaches Association preseason poll and finished up non-conference play with victories over Gannon and Chowan, shutting out the Hawks. Australia-native Jayme Millard leads the scoresheet for the Mountain Lions through their two matches, booting three goals and an assist while putting just four shots on goal. Four other Mountain Lions have one goal each. 

The Mountain Lions have used a different net-minder in each of their first two games. Sophomore Savannah Bates picked up the shutout against Chowan, while Graduate Student Leah Marsh gave up two goals in the Gannon contest.

SCOUTING THE PIONEERS

The Pioneers will be looking for their first victory of the season after falling in non-conference play to Converse University and Bluefield State College. The Pioneers will host West Virginia Wesleyan on Wednesday prior to making the trip to Institute.

Belgium-native Merel Smets returns to the Pioneer lineup for her sophomore season after leading the Pioneers on the stat sheet with four goals and an assist. The Pioneers only scored 10 goals through their 18 matches last season. Mikayla Brown was one of three goalkeepers the Pioneers utilized last season and has started both of the matches the Pioneers have played. She has allowed three goals in her two starts.

FOLLOW THE ACTION!

Live game updates will be posted on our twitter page @WVSU_GoJackets for all of our matches this season. Live stats and video will also be available.