ATHENS, Tenn. — Joost Hermeling scored twice Wednesday afternoon as WVU Tech men's soccer battled Tennessee Wesleyan University to a 2-2 draw at the TWU Athletic Complex.
The Golden Bears moved to 0-0-3 on the season and remained unbeaten through their first three matches, all of which have ended in draws.
Tennessee Wesleyan struck first in the eighth minute when Nicko Bellot finished a cross from Felipe dos Santos to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.
Tech answered less than seven minutes later. Gonzalo Sabeh played the ball forward to Hermeling, who beat the goalkeeper near the box at 13:58 to pull the Golden Bears even. The assist was Sabeh's first of the season.
WVU Tech continued to create opportunities through the opening half. Karim Ould Saada had an attempt blocked in the 17th minute before Myron Bentil forced Tennessee Wesleyan goalkeeper Kasper Úlfarsson into a save in the 40th. Sabeh added another chance late in the half, sending a header wide as the teams entered the break tied 1-1.
The Golden Bears moved in front in the 57th minute when Hermeling found the back of the net for the second time, giving Tech a 2-1 advantage. The freshman's two goals were his first of the season and moved him into the team lead.
Tennessee Wesleyan responded in the 67th minute when dos Santos scored on a free kick from just outside the box, tying the match at 2-2.
Tech continued to push for the go-ahead goal. Gonzalo Colman sent an attempt wide in the 75th minute and Kai Cooper had a shot blocked in the 78th as the Golden Bears looked to break the tie.
Tennessee Wesleyan generated three corner kicks in the final three minutes, but the Tech defense kept the Bulldogs off the board to preserve the road result.
Hermeling finished with two goals on two shots, both on target. Sabeh recorded an assist and put one of his two attempts on goal, while Bentil also registered a shot on target.
WVU Tech finished with 10 shots, four on goal and four corner kicks. Ramon Ferrari made three saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal.
Through three matches, Tech has scored three goals and allowed three while averaging 8.7 shots per game. Hermeling leads the Golden Bears with two goals and four points, while Ferrari has recorded 14 saves in 270 minutes.
What's next
WVU Tech returns home Tuesday, Sept. 8, to face the University of Pikeville. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Sports Complex in Beckley.
Season leaders
- Record: 0-0-3
- Goals: Joost Hermeling, 2; Kai Cooper, 1
- Assists: Gonzalo Sabeh, 1
- Points: Joost Hermeling, 4; Kai Cooper, 2; Gonzalo Sabeh, 1
- Shots: Joost Hermeling, 5; Gonzalo Sabeh, 5; Kai Cooper, 4
- Shots on goal: Joost Hermeling, 3; Kai Cooper, 2; Gonzalo Sabeh, 2
- Goalkeeper saves: Ramon Ferrari, 14
- Goals-against average: Ramon Ferrari, 1.00
- Save percentage: Ramon Ferrari, .824
Â
