Oct. 11, 2006

Box Score

MORGANTOWN, W. Va. - Freshman goalkeeper Ryan Leonard (Braintree, Mass./Thayer Academy), making his first career start, and the American University men's soccer team nearly pulled off a stunning upset, leading 1-0 into the 90th minute, but eventually fell short to the No. 6 West Virginia Mountaineers, 2-1, in overtime.

Leonard, whose only previous collegiate experience came two games ago when he played 37 minutes in the second half versus Lehigh, was the backstop behind a starting lineup that featured players that typically are reserves while AU's normal starters rested for this weekend's matchup at Colgate. Leonard made four saves and looked primed to make a major upset his first career win. After a scoreless first half, the Eagles staked themselves a 1-0 lead when Garth Juckem (Tampa, Fla./Tampa), playing as a reserve, scored in the 64th minute off assists from Sal Caccavale (West Islip, N.Y./West Islip) and Nathan Baker (Bowie, Md./St. John's College H.S.).

American held on to its lead until the final minute of the game. However, with just 47 ticks left on the clock, WVU managed to get the equalizer when Tony Lindroos scored from the doorstep, sending the game to extra time.

Overtime was short-lived, as just three minutes in the Mountaineers ended the game with a goal off a corner kick.

WVU outshot the Eagles, 21-4, but just six Mountaineer shots were on goal.

American falls to 4-8-2 overall, while WVU improves to 11-1-2 overall. The Eagles return to action on Saturday, Oct. 14, in a critical Patriot League matchup at Colgate. Game time is set for 7 p.m. For details about how you can watch the game via Colgate's video streaming service, click here.