Men's Soccer: WVU Tops Marshall in OT
November 02, 2003 08:46 PM | General
November 2, 2003
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The West Virginia University men’s soccer team (5-10-3) wrapped up their 2003 campaign on Sunday, Nov. 2, with a 1-0 victory over in-state rival Marshall.
The Mountaineers and Herd played an even first half at Shoenbaum Stadium in Charleston, W.Va., as both defenses allowed few opportunities for the opposing offense. Four WVU players combined for four shots and only one shot on goal. The Marshall offense saw a couple more chances as they fired off six, getting one on goal.
The rivalry atmosphere was evident throughout much of the 97 minutes of play. The teams combined for 16 fouls in the first half and 37 in the match.
WVU saw their first good opportunity at goal in with 28 minutes remaining in the second half when freshman forward Jarrod Smith dribbled down the right side of the field and ripped a shot from the top of the penalty box, forcing Marshall goalkeeper Chris McKinney to make a diving save. McKinney’s outstretched foot knocked the ball wide of the goal and out of bounds.
Just four minutes later Smith challenged McKinney again with a shot as he slid through the penalty box. McKinney was up to the challenge as he slid to his left to collect the ball.
The game could not be decided in 90 minutes of play forcing overtime. Just over a minute into OT Marshall midfielder Kirk Gibson found himself open and took a chance at freshman goalkeeper Nick Noble. The freshman was able to make an acrobatic save and bat the ball wide, keeping Mountaineer hopes alive.
“A number of young players stepped up today and showed they have bright futures in the West Virginia University soccer program,” said head coach Mike Seabolt.
The save proved to be a turning point as WVU would take control. With 3:11 remaining in the first overtime period sophomore Devon McTavish passed a ball to an open Cole Beasley who buried the shot. The win broke the Mountaineers 10-game winless streak and ended the 2003 season on a positive note.
“Winning in overtime against an in-state rival is a great way to end our season,” said Seabolt. “To play as well as we did against No. 5 St. John’s and then to turn around defeat Marshall shows what great strides we have made this season.” Scoring Summary:
Shots: WVU-10 ; MU-13
Corners: WVU- 3 ; MU- 3
Fouls: WVU- 21 ; MU- 16
Goalkeeping: WVU- Nick Noble 0 GA 4 saves 96:46 minutes; MU- Chris McKinney 1 GA 4 saves 96:46
