BECKLEY, W.Va. — Benjamin Niles scored in the 85th minute Saturday as WVU Tech men's soccer broke through late for a 1-0 River States Conference victory over Indiana University Columbus at the YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Sports Complex.
The Golden Bears improved to 4-2-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play while remaining unbeaten at home at 2-0-1.
Tech created the better chances in a scoreless first half. Kai Cooper put the Golden Bears' first attempt on target in the 22nd minute, forcing a defensive save, before Francisco Mustra had another shot cleared away in the 30th.
Gonzalo Sabeh followed with an attempt on goal in the 32nd minute that IU Columbus goalkeeper Jordin Jones stopped.
At the other end, Ramon Ferrari turned away Christian Cardoso's attempt in the 35th minute as the teams went into halftime tied at 0-0.
The Golden Bears increased the pressure after the break, producing 11 shots and eight corner kicks over the final 45 minutes.
Gonzalo Gorostiza Colman put a shot on frame in the 49th minute before Sabeh and Cooper each forced saves over the next seven minutes. Oliver Bonning came close to breaking the tie in the 57th when his header went wide right.
Tech continued to generate opportunities as the half progressed. Athman Musinde and Cooper each had shots cleared away in the 66th minute, while Linus Kleinewiese put an attempt on goal in the 76th.
The breakthrough finally came at 84:06. Sabeh connected with Niles, who found the back of the net for his first goal of the season and gave the Golden Bears a 1-0 advantage.
Tech kept the pressure on following the goal. Sabeh put another shot on target in the 86th minute before Arturo Caballer followed with a header that Jones saved.
The Golden Bears then saw out the final minutes to secure their third shutout of the season and first in conference play.
WVU Tech finished with a 14-7 advantage in shots and put 12 attempts on goal compared with three for IU Columbus. Tech also held an 11-4 edge in corner kicks.
Sabeh and Cooper each put three shots on goal to lead the Golden Bears. Sabeh also recorded his team-leading fifth assist of the season, while Niles scored on his lone attempt.
Ferrari played all 90 minutes and made two saves, with the Golden Bears also recording one team save in the shutout.
Through nine matches, WVU Tech has scored 20 goals while averaging 14.6 shots per game.
What's next
WVU Tech returns to the road Thursday, Oct. 8, to face Kentucky Christian University. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Grayson, Ky.
Season leaders
- Record: 4-2-3 overall, 1-1 RSC
- Goals: Gonzalo Sabeh, 5; Joost Hermeling, 4; Wilfredo Briceno, 4; Gonzalo Gorostiza Colman, 2; Benjamin Niles, Arturo Caballer, Kai Cooper, Danilo Jokovic and Linus Kleinewiese, 1
- Assists: Gonzalo Sabeh, 5; Oliver Bonning, Gonzalo Gorostiza Colman, Joost Hermeling, Linus Kleinewiese, Francisco Mustra, Benjamin Niles and Derren Sanchez, 1
- Points: Gonzalo Sabeh, 15; Joost Hermeling, 9; Wilfredo Briceno, 8; Gonzalo Gorostiza Colman, 5; Benjamin Niles and Linus Kleinewiese, 3
- Shots: Gonzalo Sabeh, 27; Wilfredo Briceno, Gonzalo Gorostiza Colman and Kai Cooper, 16; Joost Hermeling, 13
- Shots on goal: Gonzalo Sabeh, 14; Joost Hermeling, 11; Kai Cooper, 10; Wilfredo Briceno and Gonzalo Gorostiza Colman, 9
- Goalkeeper saves: Ramon Ferrari, 30; Enrico Reginatto, 1
- Goals-against average: Ramon Ferrari, 1.42; Enrico Reginatto, 0.00
- Save percentage: Ramon Ferrari, .714; Enrico Reginatto, 1.000
