ELKINS, W.Va. — In a highly physical and competitive match, No. 20 Davis & Elkins College fell 1-0 to No. 6 University of Charleston on Wednesday afternoon at Nuttall Field. The game, marked by a fierce rivalry between the two teams, was characterized by hard tackles and relentless energy from both sides.

The Senators (3-1-1, 1-1-1 MEC) held firm defensively for much of the match, limiting the Golden Eagles (5-0-1, 5-0-0 MEC) to just three shots in the first half. Likewise, for UC, their stout defense only allowed D&E one shot in the first half of play.

A lightning delay just past the 30-minute mark interrupted the first half for about an hour, but both teams came back with undiminished intensity. Despite the long pause, neither team showed signs of slowing down as they returned to a tightly contested game.

Davis & Elkins goalkeeper Dante Ordenes made five crucial saves to keep the match scoreless for much of the game. Ordones played solidly throughout the contest, even with the Golden Eagles clear advantage in corner kicks, 15 of them to the Senators 3. Charleston's Nicolai Gundersen had just one save, with the Senators managing five total shots.

Charleston's Jack Kay netted the game-winner in the 82nd minute, putting away a pass from Jose Suarez Monaco that just snuck past Ordones in the lower left part of the goal.

The physicality of the match was evident, with the teams combining for 31 fouls and 12 yellow cards, further highlighting the intensity of the rivalry. Despite the loss, the Senators showed resilience and organization, holding one of the nation's top-ranked teams scoreless for nearly 90 minutes.

Up Next

The Senators will look to bounce back in their next game, another home match, on Sunday, September 22 against Frostburg State starting at 2:00 p.m. at Nuttall Field.