Men's Soccer: No. 8 WVU Ties No. 21 USF
September 15, 2006 10:15 PM | General
September 15, 2006
BOX SCORE
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - The No. 8-ranked West Virginia University men’s soccer team came away with an important 2-2 tie in BIG EAST play on Friday, Sept 15, against No. 21 South Florida, in Tampa, Fla., at USF Soccer Stadium.
WVU (5-0-2, 2-0-1) had to rebound from an early mistake in the match that led to a Rodrigo Hidalgo goal in the eighth minute. The Mountaineers were up to the challenge though as they answered with two goals in less than a minute to take a 2-1 lead at the half.
West Virginia’s first goal came at the 31:51 mark when Reed Cooper headed a goal past reigning BIG EAST goalkeeper of week Dan Brenner on an assist from midfielder Dan Stratford. The goal was the first of the season for the Madison, Wis., native and the third of his career.
Just 25 seconds later, forward Jyler Noviello headed in his second goal of season to give the Mountaineers the lead in the match. Noviello was assisted by Stratford and midfielder Andy Wright.
WVU wasted few chances in the first period as the shots recorded by Cooper and Noviello were the only two shots on goal for their team in the first half.
West Virginia continued to pressure in the second half, while attempting to fend of the high powered USF attack. The team was successful in doing so until the 87th minute when forward Simon Schoendorf connected on the equalizer off an assist from midfielder Kevon Neaves.
After two scoreless 10-minute overtime periods the final whistle sounded, ending the match in a tie.
The Mountaineers’ tie with the Bulls (4-2-1, 2-0-1) help them continue the 2006 season as the only undefeated team remaining in the BIG EAST.
WVU returns to action on Sunday, Sept. 19, when it travels to Chicago, Ill., to face DePaul. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.
