Offense Erupts in WVU’s Win Over SBU

Saturday, September 25

Morgantown, W.Va.

4:00 p.m.

West Virginia University

6-0-2, 0-0-0

St. Bonaventure

1-5-1, 1-0-0

St. Bonaventure

West Virginia

September 25, 2021 07:22 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Box Score Season Stats

By: Joe Mitchin

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The No. 4-ranked West Virginia University men's soccer team found the back of the net four times in a 4-0 win over St. Bonaventure on Saturday afternoon at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.

Fifth-year senior defender Kevin Morris opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, before freshman defender Frederick Jorgensen scored early in the second half. The Mountaineers also tallied a pair of 90th-minute goals by senior forward Yoran Popovic and sophomore midfielder Ryan Crooks to reach the final score line.

With the win, WVU improved its season-opening unbeaten streak to eight games, which is tied for second-longest to open a year in program history.

"It was really important for us to finish the game in the way that we did," WVU coach Dan Stratford said. "We got some good minutes from people off the bench. So, overall, it's always pleasing when the score line is reflective of the performance."

The Mountaineers (6-0-2) began the game with a pair of immediate scoring chances. Fifth-year senior midfielder Pau Jimenez Albelda pushed a shot attempt just wide 90 seconds into the contest, while Popovic had a shot saved in the third minute of play.

WVU's opening goal didn't come until the 33rd minute, when Morris headed home his second goal of the season off a WVU corner kick. Jorgensen and freshman midfielder Otto Ollikainen were credited with assists on the tally. The score marked Morris' fourth career game-winner, including his second this season.

West Virginia outshot St. Bonaventure (1-5-1), 11-2, in the opening half. Still, the score remained 1-0 as both teams headed for the dressing room.

In the second half, Jorgensen scored in the 51st minute to help build a cushion around the Mountaineers' lead. Jimenez Albelda found the Aarhus, Denmark, native, who turned and fired a shot into the left side of the net to make it 2-0.

It stayed that way until a final-minute frenzy for the Mountaineers. First, junior midfielder Kasimir Lauber and freshman defender George Pitsillides teamed up to find Popovic for WVU's third goal, which also marked the Zuidlaren, Netherland, native's third tally in the last three games. Just nine seconds later, Crooks forced a giveaway, before he turned in a great run and finish for his first career goal.

In all, the Mountaineers recorded a season-best 20 shots in the win, including 10 on goal. Meanwhile, the Bonnies were limited to five total shots.

Fifth-year senior goalkeeper Steven Tekesky made two saves on his way to his fifth clean sheet of the campaign. The Raymore, Missouri, native now has 39 career wins and 25 shutouts, good for No. 2 and No. 4, respectively, in all-time program history.

With the win, WVU improved to 10-1 against St. Bonaventure, including 5-1 in Morgantown. Of note, Saturday marked the first time the two teams have met since 1994.

Up next, West Virginia opens Mid-American Conference play at home when it takes on No. 20 Akron on Thursday, Sept. 30, at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.

For more information on the Mountaineers, follow @WVUMensSoccer on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.