WVU defeats WVU Tech, 5-0

With a thin lineup, the West Virginia men’s soccer team faced West Virginia University Tech Saturday followed by the Alumni Game Sunday.

WVU was missing a total of eight players, including senior midfielder Shadow Sebele, sophomore forward Andy Bevin and junior forward Jay Williams.

The Mountaineers got off to a strong start with an early goal. The goals continued throughout the afternoon, with two goals by Frank Tayou.

At the half, West Virginia was ahead 1-0 with three shots on goal and one corner kick. The game was physical throughout going into the half.

Tayou was strong in the second half, scoring two goals, one off a corner kick.

WVU also had a goal from senior defender Eric Schoenle. The Mountaineers were able to continue the pressure on their way to a 5-0 rout. WVU had 10 shots on goal to WVU Tech’s one. The lengthy battle also had West Virginia win the advantage in corner kicks – six to three.

Despite the win, head coach Marlon LeBlanc was not satisfied with the performance.

"I think we looked like a pretty average team for most of the game," LeBlanc said. "The results are not what I’m interested in. We didn’t have all the elements for the spring to be productive. Today we had 11 players that were healthy enough to play. A couple of guys are struggling for fitness.

"It wasn’t as productive as it could be. At the end of the day, the hopes are to look sharper on how we want to implement our system for the fall. However, come fall time, I think we will be a different personnel."

Senior Travis Pittman took a hard fall on his ankle in the game. He would have been able to continue, but the health of the Mountaineers is crucial at this time.

"His ankle got stomped on," LeBlanc said. "He’s been battling a hip injury and the flu. For WVU Tech, it was more about proving what it can do. From our perspective, we wanted to get out of the game without any more injuries. Everyone who was available played 90 full minutes."

For WVU, getting goals was important as well. In the previous four spring contests, the Mountaineers weren’t unable to score a goal. However, against WVU Tech, the Mountaineers were able to find the net.

When the fall season approaches, this Mountaineer squad can make an immediate impact throughout the nation. With a full, healthy lineup, West Virginia will show glimpses of a dynamic program.

The Alumni Game followed Sunday with former Mountaineers having an exciting exhibition. It was full of past Mountaineer greats putting on a show for the crowd.

As the spring season comes to a close, the Mountaineers have battled through injury after injury, but still should be ready come fall. With added expectations going into the Mid-American Conference, the Mountaineers depth should bring results.