Defense Shines in Victory at UCF

Sunday, September 28

Orlando, Fla.

7:00 PM

West Virginia University

6-1-2, 2-0-0

UCF

2-5-1, 0-2-0

West Virginia

UCF

Photo by: UCF Athletics

September 28, 2025 09:51 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: Adam Grossman

ORLANDO, Fla. – The No. 10 West Virginia University men's soccer team picked up a 1-0 victory at UCF, Sunday evening at the UCF Soccer and Track Complex. The Mountaineers improve to 6-1-2 overall and 2-0-0 in the Sun Belt while the Knights fall to 2-5-1 and 0-2-0 in conference play.

Freshman Sammie Walker scored the lone goal in the contest, his second of the season while junior Thijs Veldhorst had his first assist of the year. Veldhorst, graduate student Carlos Hernando, and senior Dante Huckaby all played the full 90 minutes on the back line as the Mountaineers allowed just four shots in the contest, none of which were on goal.

Overall, the Mountaineers outshot the Knights, 11-4, with a 5-0 advantage in shots on goal. UCF had a 3-2 edge in corner kicks while fouls were even at 15 on a wet night in Florida.

After a scoreless first half with just one shot on goal, the Mountaineers took the lead in the 50^th minute as Veldhorst sent a ball up the field. The UCF goalkeeper came out to get it, but Walker beat him to it. With the keeper out of position, Walker placed his shot into the open net.

West Virginia had a few more chances to tack on, but a couple of shots by seniors Antonio Lima and Marcus Caldeira were turned aside.

UFC had its best chance in the 82^nd minute as Lilian Ricol looked to have an open shot in the box, but senior Felix Ewald stretched out his leg in time to block it and keep WVU in front.

The Mountaineers will be back home on Saturday, Oct. 4 to take on No. 19 Georgia Southern, who is coming off a victory over No. 4 Marshall. Kickoff from Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium is set for 7 p.m.

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