ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — WVU Tech men's soccer is headed to the NAIA National Championship quarterfinals after a 2–1 victory over No. 21 Ottawa on Tuesday night at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. The Golden Bears (18–0–2) extended their unbeaten season to 20 matches and secured the final spot in the tournament's last eight.

Tech struck early in the Round of 16 matchup, taking a 1–0 lead in the 11th minute when senior Keishon Clarke finished a setup from freshman Hugo Roman. Ottawa answered just three minutes later, leveling the match at 1–1 behind a goal from Alonso Basauri off a pass from Sam Hatswell.

Both sides pushed for a breakthrough before halftime but went into the break even.

The second half shifted on a series of defensive stands from WVU Tech, beginning with a crucial moment in the 59th minute when Ottawa missed a penalty kick that would have given the Braves their first lead. Tech goalkeeper Luka Felix made all five of his saves in the final 45 minutes, including stops in the 48th, 50th, 51st and 86th minutes.

The Golden Bears regained control in the 71st minute. Freshman forward Julen Recalde, the team's leading scorer, buried the go-ahead goal after Clarke won the ball and delivered the assist. It was Recalde's 14th goal of the season and Clarke's fourth assist.

Tech controlled possession in the closing minutes, outshooting Ottawa 16–9 and earning an 8–1 advantage in corner kicks. Ottawa goalkeeper David Martinez finished with 11 saves as the Golden Bears continued to create chances until the final whistle.

The win sends WVU Tech to the NAIA quarterfinals with one of the nation's strongest resumes: 67 goals scored, a 0.76 goals-against average and 10 shutouts on the year.

Golden Bear Highlights

• Clarke delivers again: The senior recorded his 11th goal of the season and added his fourth assist, contributing to both WVU Tech goals.
• Recalde stays red-hot: The freshman's game-winner was his 14th goal of the campaign, extending his team lead in scoring.
• Felix steps up in the second half: The senior goalkeeper made five saves, all after halftime, including key stops in the 48th, 50th, 51st and 86th minutes.
• Roman orchestrates the midfield: The freshman logged his eighth assist of the season and generated multiple chances on set pieces.
• Diaz anchors the back line: Senior defender Julian Diaz commanded the backfield for all 90 minutes, organizing the defensive shape and helping shut down Ottawa's late pressure.
• Dominant on corners: WVU Tech held an 8–1 advantage in corner kicks, with Roman taking seven.
• Shot creators: Recalde led all players with seven shots (six on target), while Clarke added three shots on goal.
• Unbeaten streak extended: The Golden Bears pushed their season record to 18–0–2, staying unbeaten through 20 matches.
• Balanced attack: Ten different Golden Bears recorded at least one shot or created a scoring chance.

Match Notes

Goals:
WVU Tech — Clarke (11'), Recalde (71')
Ottawa — Basauri (14')

Assists:
WVU Tech — Roman, Clarke
Ottawa — Hatswell

Saves:
WVU Tech — Felix 5
Ottawa — Martinez 11

Shots:
WVU Tech 16 (13 SOG); Ottawa 9 (6 SOG)

Corners:
WVU Tech 8; Ottawa 1

What's Next

WVU Tech advances to the NAIA Quarterfinal and will face Indiana Tech on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 8 p.m. (EST) in Orange Beach, Alabama. Coverage is available at goldenbearathletics.com/coverage.