Virginia Falls To WVU In Exhibition, 2-0

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CHARLOTTESVILLE – The Virginia men’s soccer team was defeated in its final preseason exhibition contest, falling to West Virginia 2-0 on Saturday night at Klöckner Stadium. The Cavaliers now turn their attention to the regular season, which kicks off Friday with the Nike Portland Invitational in Portland, Ore.

“I think if we get guys motivated and going we will be fine,” Virginia head coach George Gelnovatch said. “The other part of it is going to be getting a couple guys healthy.”

West Virginia converted a penalty kick in the 18th minute to take a 1-0 lead. The penalty kick was awarded after a hand ball was called on a Virginia player in the penalty box. Alex Silva beat UVa goalkeeper Diego Restrepo (West Palm Beach, Fla.) to give the Mountaineers the advantage.

WVU’s second goal of the night came in the 31st minute when Gift Maworere headed home a cross by Raymon Gaddis.

Virginia had scoring opportunities in the second half, and out-shot West Virginia 5-1 in that period. Tony Tchani (Norfolk, Va.) led the team with three shots, including a one-time rocket that missed high from close range in the 58th minute.

Tchani, Jonathan Villanueva (Grand Prairie, Texas) and Will Bates (Chester, Va.) each had a shot on goal.

Restrepo played the entire 90 minutes for the Cavaliers, tallying one save. West Virginia goalkeeper Zach Johnson also played the entire game and had three saves.

Friday’s contest vs. host Portland in the Nike Portland Invitation kicks off at 7 p.m. pacific time (10 p.m. eastern time). The Cavaliers will face Washington on Sunday, Sept. 6 at noon pacific time (3 p.m. eastern time).