Erie, Pa. --The No. 19 Kutztown University women's soccer team (0-0-1) opened the 2023 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Charleston (W. Va.) (0-0-1) in the first game of the Gannon Invitational in Erie Thursday afternoon. 

The goals came at the beginning and end of the contest. KU got on the board in the fourth minute via Lexy Endres (Medford, N.J./Shawnee). Emme Wolfel (Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown) cleared the ball up the field to Caroline McDonald (Exton, Pa./Downingtown East), who slid a ball across to Endres. The Medford, N.J. native calmly swept the ball into the bottom corner for the 1-0 advantage.

The Golden Bears held on all the way till the 89th minute. A high looping corner kick found the head of Frankie Morrow to level the match late for Charleston (W. Va.). That was one of the final kicks of the game as it ended 1-1. 

It was a close affair all game. The Golden Bears outshot the Golden Eagles 10-7, but Charleston (W. Va.) had a slim 6-5 advantage in shots on goal. Wolfel made four saves in between the sticks for KU, while Jordan Maynard also made four for the Golden Eagles.

Endres was everywhere for KU, leading the team in shots (3) to go along with her first tally of the campaign. Taylor Rapel (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) also registered two shots in the game for the Golden Bears. McDonald ended with an assist and one shot.

KU remains undefeated against the Golden Eagles all time with a 9-0-2 record. It's the first time Charleston (W. Va.) has earned a result against KU since a 1-1 tie back in 2015. 

The Golden Bears wrap up the Gannon Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 2 against Concord at the McConnell Family Stadium. Kick-off is slated for 3 p.m.