Kutztown University Athletics

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kutztown scored three goals from three different players to climb out of a quick hole it was dug in and defeated Charleston (W.Va.) 3-1 Friday night in a season-opening, non-conference game at the Welch Athletic Complex.
 
It was the first time the Golden Bears (1-0 overall) opened their regular season in Charleston, W.Va., since the 2022 season, but the Golden Eagles (0-1) have been a regular during the first week of the season over the past decade. KU is 12-0-2 all-time against Charleston and has won the last three meetings, including a 2-1 victory in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament in their last matchup back on Nov. 22, 2024.
 
The hosts wasted little time in getting into the score column for the first time in 2026, as Li-Lou Debaecker found the back of the net just 3:17 into the contest to go ahead 1-0. Just as it looked like the teams would head to the intermission that way, sophomore Emma Gonzalez (Pottstown, Pa./Pottsgrove) evened up the score with just 0:34 left in the first half on an assist by freshman Carly Louey (Hanover, Pa./South Western). It is the second career goal for Gonzalez.
 
In the second half, the Maroon and Gold showed why they were once again picked high as a contender in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, as they tallied two goals and the defense held firm to keep the Golden Eagles out of the net the rest of the way. Last season's leading scorer, senior Corinne Morgan (Port Republic, N.J./Cedar Creek), picked up where she left off and broke the 1-1 deadlock 6:38 out of halftime to give her team the lead for good.
 
To cap off the successful opening night for the Golden Bears, freshman Giavanna Marciano (Trappe, Pa./Perkiomen Valley) recorded her first collegiate goal in the 89th minute.
 
Junior goalie Cassidy Howes (Havre de Grace, Md./Havre de Grace), who was making her first start in net since her freshman season, finished with six saves, facing 10 shots overall, seven on goal. KU had 27 shots, 11 on net, and finished with seven corner kicks.
 
Kutztown will remain in the state of West Virginia for game number two as it will take on West Virginia State in another non-conference matchup this Sunday, Aug. 30, at 1 p.m.

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