WVU beginning to click at right time

The No. 22 West Virginia men’s soccer team has been the complete package offensively so far this season.

In its three home games, WVU has outscored its opponents 8-4. The team as been physical, aggressive and ready to make some noise around the country.

In the last game against Oakland, the Mountaineers could have scored six or seven goals, according to head coach Marlon LeBlanc. They still got four goals, but it was one of those games that opportunities were flowing all day for West Virginia.

The scoring chances have been there on a constant basis for West Vrginia. Finishing has been a bit troublesome, but through teamwork, West Virginia sees itself above .500 after six games.

It’s been a well-rounded attack thus far, and seven players have scored goals this season.

WVU has won the corner kick battle 35-15 after six games. The Mountaineers have also won the shots category by 15.

The scoring opportunities have been present in each game.

This group has not always put away chances, but the amount of talent and potential the squad has is greater than past years. The sky is the limit if West Virginia puts goals into the net consistently.

Each member of the team is aware of how important it is to capitalize on goals and not giving up goals late in games. In the sport of soccer, one goal could be the difference, even if you out-play your opponent.

With the biggest remaining game of the season against Akron Oct. 20, WVU will need to set up scoring opportunities and get going from an early start. In the game against Oakland Sunday, sophomore forward Andy Bevin was able to score within the first five minutes of play.

In that game, West Virginia was able to find the net four times. On the road trip against North Carolina, Wake Forest and Penn State, the goalkeeping and solid opposition made it tough for the
Mountaineers to score goals.

In the two losses against the Demon Deacons and Tar Heels, West Virginia was held scoreless while only giving up one goal.

The game against
the Nittany Lions was held to a draw, but the chances were there in all three affairs.

"We were due," LeBlanc said following the Oakland game. "It wasn’t because of the lack of creating chances that we didn’t score in the last few games; we had a lot of chances. Our finishing was erratic."

The most promising sign for this team is the constant balance of guys scoring, setting up each other and being outspoken about what the guys should and shouldn’t do. When you watch this team play live, you get the sense that there is a mixed bag of leadership.

"It’s nice to see a
well-balanced attack," LeBlanc said. "I think we have quite a few weapons."

During the next three home games against American University, Florida Atlantic and Iona, expect to see this team create chances. If the finishing is there, enjoy supporting the Mountaineers with applause after some goals.