Men’s Soccer: WVU Falls 1-0 In Season Opener
August 31, 2007 07:32 PM | General
August 31, 2007
COLUMBUS, Ohio- The West Virginia University men’s soccer team fell 1-0 in the squad’s season opener against Ohio State today in Columbus, Ohio, in the first of two matches of the Bert and Iris Wolstein Soccer Classic.
Ohio State scored just five minutes into the first half after a Mountaineer foul in the box resulted in a penalty kick for OSU. Xavier Balc hit a sharp shot that got by goalkeeper Zach Johnson to give the Buckeyes the early lead.
Both teams were held scoreless in the second half after strong and physical play to create the final margin.
Johnson made his collegiate debut in the net for the Mountaineers recording four saves in a full 90 minutes. WVU posted seven shots and seven corner kicks.
The match marked the season opener for both squads and was the first live broadcast ever on the Big Ten Network.
Next up, the Mountaineers will face head coach Marlon LeBlanc’s alma mater, Penn State, on Sept. 2 in Columbus. Game time is set for noon. Live game stats will be available on www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com.
