Men’s Soccer Prepares for Tour of Spain

- Roster for Spain Trip

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - The West Virginia University men’s soccer team treks on a 10-day journey to Seville, Spain, for the program’s first overseas tour under the direction of coach Marlon LeBlanc. The Mountaineers leave Morgantown on Sunday, May 7 and will be in Seville from May 8 to May 17.

“This will be a tremendous experience for our guys. With a large returning group, we decided to take them overseas,” said LeBlanc. “We’ve got fantastic matches for them, as well as a fantastic experience that will hopefully help this team into the fall season. This opportunity is thanks to the generous donations from our donors to allow this to happen.”

The Mountaineers will play three teams from LaLiga, one of the world’s premier soccer leagues. The opposing rosters will consist of a mix of reserves and academy athletes who will help challenge the Mountaineers and prepare them for the upcoming 2017 season. WVU opens action against Sevilla FC on Tuesday, May 9 at 11:30 a.m. CEST/5:30 a.m. ET. The Mountaineers then face Real Betis Balompié on Saturday, May 13, at 10 a.m. CEST/4 a.m. ET. WVU faces Málaga CF to conclude its three-match tour on Tuesday, May 16 at 6 p.m. CEST/noon ET.

“You’re always looking to do things a little bit better or differently. One of the things you appreciate about Spanish football is the way they play,” LeBlanc noted. “Right now, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and FC Barcelona – two of those three teams are in the Champions League semifinals right now. I think when you’re engulfed into that culture, it’s very easy to see things you’d like to do with your own team and players. Can we do the things they do? Not necessarily because you’re talking about the best players in the world. I think one of the things I appreciate the most is the tactical side of things. They are smart and super technical. We try to emulate those things in our culture.”

In addition to playing several top-notch clubs, the Mountaineers will meet with Real Betis physical coach Marcos Alvarez and 2010 World Cup Champion Carlos Marchena. The Mountaineers will tour several Spanish stadiums, including the historic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. Culturally, the team will enjoy Spanish food and visit the Feria de Jerez in Cádiz.

“We’re going to spend quality time together as a team, do some touring and meet some very important people in Spanish soccer history,” LeBlanc said. “I think the experience of going away and outside of North America will be something that will change their lives for the better.”

The visit to Spain marks a reunion for rising sophomore defender Albert Andres-Llop. A native of Vila-Real, Spain, Llop returns to his home country after scoring a goal and producing six shots as a freshman last season.

“I think Albert is the most excited outside of myself. What a great opportunity to take West Virginia University halfway across the planet and get to play in your home country. Albert was very excited,” said LeBlanc.

“At first, I couldn’t believe it. Why Spain? But when he explained it to me, I was very excited that we were going,” Llop said. “I am excited to show my teammates how Spanish teams play. Our philosophy here at WVU is the same way. I want my teammates to see how they play as a team.”

Fans can get an inside glimpse of the Mountaineers’ travels by following the team on Twitter (@WVUMensSoccer), Instagram (@WVUMensSoccer) and Facebook (/WVUMensSoccer). Blogs and recaps from each day will be provided at WVUsports.com.

Match Schedule in Spain
Tuesday, May 9 – WVU vs. Sevilla FC – 11:30 a.m. CEST/5:30 a.m. ET
Saturday, May 13 – WVU vs. Real Betis Balompié – 10 a.m. CEST/ 4 a.m. ET
Tuesday, May 16 – WVU vs. Málaga CF – 6 p.m. CEST/noon ET

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Upcoming Event: Men's Soccer versus #11 Marshall on Oct. 31, 2025 at 7:00 PM

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