Stephenson’s Goal Helps WVU Survive UNCG
September 26, 2015 04:00 PM | Men's Soccer
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – It took 84 minutes, but the West Virginia University men’s soccer team finally found the back of the net on a goal by freshman Tucker Stephenson, as WVU defeated UNC Greensboro, 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Stephenson connected on a header at 83:40 for the first shot on goal of the match for the Mountaineers (3-5-0). The Spartans (4-4-1) held WVU to one shot on goal on 15 shots as West Virginia played the final 48 minutes with a man advantage.
“Tucker scored a big goal there,” WVU coach Marlon LeBlanc said. “We made a change and put him up higher. We literally just changed our shape, right before it happened. We were at one forward, and then went with two and put Tucker back in the game up there and he scored the goal. Hats off to him, I thought the creation of the goal was excellent.
“We played better, and won today, in our worst performance of the year, so go figure that one out. I think our inexperience showed a little bit there, in managing the game. All that said, I think our young guys are scoring goals, which certainly helps.”
Stephenson’s goal was the first of his collegiate career. The freshman was assisted by senior Jamie Merriam and sophomore Joey Piatczyc. It was Piatczyc’s NCAA-high-tying eighth assist of the year and Merriam’s second.
Freshman goaltender Alec Boerner earned his first career win in a three-save outing. UNCG had six shots, three on goal.
UNCG’s Hugo Coicaud earned a red card at 41:21, which resulted in the Spartans playing the remainder of the contest down a player. UNCG’s Jacques Francois and WVU’s Louis Thomas and Stephenson received yellow cards.
Eight Mountaineers recorded at least one shot in the match. Stephenson and junior Felix Angerer led the team with three shots apiece, while Merriam, senior Zak Leedom and freshman Rushawn Larmond all had two.
West Virginia returns to the road to face St. Francis (Pa.) on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. WVU will look to improve on a 14-4-1 record vs. the Red Flash. The Mountaineers are a perfect 5-0 at St. Francis.
MSOC: NCAA vs. St. John's Cinematic Recap
Sunday, November 23
MSOC: Sun Belt Quarterfinals vs. Old Dominion Cinematic Recap
Tuesday, November 11
MSOC: South Carolina Cinematic Recap
Thursday, November 06
The Mountain State Derby Cinematic Recap
Sunday, November 02
