MORGANTOWN, West Virginia – The West Virginia University women’s soccer team opened the 2024 season Thursday night with a 2-0 win over Delaware at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.
At the start of the 2024-25 WVU Athletics season, West Virginia (1-0) took advantage of goals from the junior striker Ajanae resignation and fifth graders Lilly McCarthy to earn the win. Respass, playing in her first game for the Mountaineers after transferring to WVU from Oregon in January, was credited with the game-winning goal on her first goal for West Virginia.
After a well-placed free kick from an experienced defender Annika LeslieRespass had a clear path in the box and headed the ball into the net to make it 1-0 in the 12th minute. Despite having four more shots on goal after Respass’ goal, the Mountaineers held onto a 1-0 lead at halftime.
WVU had a few more good chances after halftime, but was ultimately able to double its lead after the Blue Hens were threatened with a foul in the box. McCarthy took advantage of the opportunity in the shootout, firing past Delaware goalkeeper Kyla Burns to give West Virginia a 2-0 win in its season opener.
In the final score, WVU led in every category, including a 14-3 lead in shots. The Mountaineers defense allowed Delaware no corners and only two shots on goal, while West Virginia earned six corners and put seven of its 14 shots on goal.
Thursday’s game was the first ever between West Virginia and Delaware, with the Mountaineers defeating the Blue Hens 1-0. The win also improved WVU’s record against first-time opponents over the last six years to 7-3-2. In addition, West Virginia opened the season with a win for the fourth time in the last six seasons.
Notably, eight Mountaineers played their first career game for West Virginia against Delaware, including three who secured their first career start. Respass, redshirt sophomore Roxanne Vilian and redshirt freshman Gianna Koss earned their first starting place, while the fifth-grader Hannah StuckRedshirt freshman Sydney Knight and freshmen Emily Akpebu, Maddie Levy And Alicia Riggins saw the playing field in gold and blue for the first time.
Next, the Mountaineers will finish their season opener with a home game, welcoming Radford to Morgantown on Sunday, August 18. Pups on the Pitch returns to Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium and the first 150 dogs in attendance will receive a special collapsible water bowl. All dogs are allowed to signed waiver and proof of vaccination. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
For more information about the Mountaineers, visit @WVUWomensSoccer on ÞjórsárdalurFacebook and Instagram.
