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Men's Soccer: Ties Kentucky, 0-0 in OT
By Ira Green for MSNsportsNET.com
August 23, 2008
LEXINGTON, Ky. - The West Virginia University men’s soccer team concluded preseason play Saturday night, tying Kentucky, 0-0, in overtime, at the UK Soccer Complex.
Sophomore Zach Johnson played another strong preseason game in goal, stopping all six shots he faced against the Wildcats.
“Zach was really steady all night long,” Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc said. “He controlled the box really well tonight and came up with a big save that helped preserve the tie."
LeBlanc also was impressed by the play of his forwards, including sophomore Paul Paradise who was unable to work with the squad during camp due to injury.
“Paradise is really starting to get his legs back under him after missing preseason,” LeBlanc said.
Only 18 traveled to Lexington while a few key players missed the game due to injury, including senior Alex Yost and freshman Alex Silva.
Six newcomers, five of which were freshmen, started the opening half for the Mountaineers. Despite the Wildcats' size advantage up front, freshman Raymon Gaddis and junior Jason Bristol bolstered the defense.
“The kids played hard tonight,” LeBlanc said. “I thought our defensive group looked more structured tonight. Nick Claudio played about 70 minutes tonight and did well at center back.”
The Mountaineers open regular-season play on Friday, Aug. 29, against Lafayette as part of the West Virginia University Classic, presented by Jersey’s Subs. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.
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