Men’s Soccer Drops First Match of Season
September 07, 2014 05:37 PM | General
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Entering the game with a 3-0 record, WVU dropped to 3-1 despite outshooting the Red Flash 16-8, including a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal.
“I didn’t do a good enough job preparing my team, clearly,” coach Marlon LeBlanc said. “We got our butts kicked all 90 minutes long, even when we were pushing. Even though it says we only gave up two shots on goal, we got our butts kicked all game long. I need to look at some things and make it better, but that was a really disappointing performance from us.”
Andrew Hajec of St. Francis (Pa.) scored the lone goal of the match in the 54th minute. Pablo Medina sent in a corner kick that was flicked towards the goal by Bryan Causey. Hajec redirected the ball with a header past WVU sophomore goalkeeper Brent Arnold.
Arnold finished with one save, taking his first loss of the season. St. Francis (Pa.) keeper Andrew Garcia made six saves in the shutout.
West Virginia had numerous opportunities to score in the match, beginning with a header from freshman Jack Driscoll in the 35th minute. Freshman Joey Piatczyc sent in a cross that was headed by Driscoll, but Garcia made the point-blank save.
Following a corner kick by junior Zak Leedom in the 66th minute, sophomore Jack Elliott put a loose ball over the crossbar, narrowly missing the game-tying goal.
Junior Ryan Cain had the last opportunity of the match in the 80th minute, sending a shot from the middle of the field that hit the left post and went out of play.
The Mountaineers conclude a five-game home stand with a match against UC Irvine on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. The game has been designated as a “Dollar Day,” with all tickets, hot dogs, popcorn and Coca-Colas available for $1 each.
WVU students who are members of on-campus WVU club sports are encouraged to attend the match. Various contests will take place throughout the night, including the annual Qdoba burrito eating contest. The first 200 Mountaineer Maniacs will receive a Maniac bandana.
