Men's Soccer: No. 4 WVU Takes Care of Providence
October 21, 2006 04:01 PM | General
October 21, 2006
BOX SCORE
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| Jyler Noviello |
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The No. 4-ranked West Virginia University men’s soccer team clinched at least a share of the BIG EAST regular season title by defeating Providence, 1-0, on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Glay Field in Providence, R.I.
“It is a great honor to be able to say that we are BIG EAST champions,” said head coach Marlon LeBlanc. “This is a testament to all of the hard work our players have put in all season. We are all very proud to accomplish this for West Virginia.”
Tonight’s result between Connecticut and Notre Dame can seal the regular season championship for West Virginia. If UConn loses or ties it will not be able to catch WVU in the standings. The Huskies and Irish kick off in Storrs, Conn., at 7 p.m. this evening.
The Mountaineers (14-1-2, 9-0-1) can also win the BIG EAST title outright if they defeat or tie Pitt on Monday, Oct. 23, in a make-up game from earlier this season. The match may not be necessary though if Connecticut doesn’t win and the Panthers secure their spot in the BIG EAST tournament today.
WVU earned its ninth shutout of the season on Saturday afternoon despite being without starting defenders Chris Wittig and Pat Carroll. The defense fended off 11 shots by Providence (11-5-0, 7-4-0) and seven corner kicks, while goalkeeper Nick Noble came up with six saves.
Senior forward Jyler Noviello scored the game winner for the Mountaineers as he netted his fourth goal of the season in the 77th minute. The Atlanta, Ga., native’s goal came unassisted as he snuck his shot past PC goalkeeper Chris Konopka from the right side.
The Mountaineers ended the match with a season-low seven shots. However, the team kept its streak of 14 consecutive matches with at least one goal scored. The only match WVU did not score this season was when the team tied Buffalo 0-0 in the second game of the season.
If necessary, West Virginia will play Pitt on Monday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. in Morgantown. Monday’s match features Dollar Night in which tickets, 16 oz. soft drinks, hot dogs and popcorn cost just $1 a piece.
