MORGANTOWN, VA – The University at Buffalo men's soccer
team concluded the 2009 West Virginia University/Nike Classic in a
valiant effort by falling to host West Virginia, 1-0 in double
overtime with only seconds remaining. The Bulls faced the
Mountaineers down a man for over 35 minutes due to a red-card
infraction with under seven minutes remaining in the second
half.
Akil Howard The Mountaineers game-winning goal came at 119:05 off
an individual effort by WVU's Moeryhan Doue inside the box.
The Mountaineers managed to hold the advantage in both shots, 11-3
and shots on goal, 3-1.
The physical style of play yielded a total of 37 fouls between the
two squads including nine yellow cards and one Buffalo red
card.
Sophomore Nick Fetterman recorded two saves in 119:05 of
action.
"This was a heartbreaker. I am proud of these young men in the
valiant effort they put forth. Playing a man short for over 35
minutes of play showed the desire and perseverance of this team. It
was a great effort in many aspects of the game especially from our
back three of Steffen Thoresen, Akil Howard (Queens,
NY/Shattuck-St. Mary's) and Alex Mihal," said coach John
Astudillo.
In recognition of their strong defensive performances against
Pittsburgh and West Virginia, defenders Howard and Mihal were
selected to the West Virginia University/Nike Classic
All-Tournament Team.
The Bulls (1-1, 0-0 MAC) will continue on the road as they travel
to the Midwest for a two-game Big East roadtrip. On Friday,
September 11, the Bulls face Marquette at 7 pm followed by DePaul
at 12 pm on Sunday, September 13.