CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — West Virginia’s men’s soccer team fell to No. 18-ranked North Carolina 3-1 on Tuesday night.
Junior midfielder Pau Jimenez Albelda scored the first goal of his college career in the 37th minute, but the Tar Heels’ attack produced three goals from Mauricio Pineda, who earned a brace, and Jonathan Jimenez.
WVU (6-4-1) junior goalkeeper Steven Tekesky made six saves in the loss.
“We were surprised that they played over the top as much as they did and really made the game very up and down,” WVU coach Marlon LeBlanc said. “They are a pretty good team at keeping the ball when they want to, and I thought the energy they started the game with put us on our heels. Then, we really got pinned back, and they were able to really wear out our legs.
“I think if we could’ve been at 1-0 when we got the goal back, then we would’ve been in good position. It was ‘game on’ for a little bit there at 2-1, but their third goal was a total breakdown on our part and broke our back a little bit. It’s tough to go on the road for a midweek game against a quality team like North Carolina. Give them a ton of credit; they’re a great team and very, very talented.”
Tekesky’s night started early when he made back-to-back saves in the fifth minute to deny an early UNC goal. The Mountaineers’ back line stayed busy, though, fighting off more forward play by North Carolina (7-2-2) in the opening 15 minutes of play.
It, ultimately, wasn’t enough as UNC pulled away in the second half. The Tar Heels outshot WVU 20-7 and held a 11-3 advantage in corner kicks.
