Goalkeeper Outlook After using two goalkeepers during 2011, the Mountaineers will rely on senior Pat Eavenson between the pipes in 2012. Eavenson started nine games last season, allowing 13 goals with a 5-4-0 record and three shutouts. Spanning the Globe WVU features student-athletes from England, France, Jamaica, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Zimbabwe and 11 different U.S. states on its 2012 roster. Six players come from Virginia, while Maryland and New Zealand claim three players each. Two players come from North Carolina and Pennsylvania, while California, England, Florida, France, Jamaica, New Jersey, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, West Virginia and Zimbabwe each send one player. Two or More = Victory Since Marlon LeBlanc’s arrival in 2006, the team is 31-1-5 when they have scored at least two goals in a game. The only loss came at the hands of Akron in the second round of the 2010 NCAA tournament. WVU was trailing 3-0 in the match before scoring two goals in the final 10 minutes. All-Conference Returnees Three members of the 2012 team have previously earned all-conference honors. The trio includes Andy Bevin (2011 - third; rookie team), Eric Schoenle (2011 - second team, 2010 third team) and Shadow Sebele (2011 - third team, 2010 - second team, 2009 - rookie team).
WVU House of Horrors Now in LeBlanc’s seventh season at WVU, the Mountaineers own a 3617-8 overall record at Dick Dlesk. The Mountaineers have also continued to have massive success against ranked opponents at home. WVU defeated No. 1 UConn, No. 13 Georgetown and No. 25 Xavier in 2011. In 2010, WVU defeated No. 17 UNC Wilmington in double overtime and earned a win against No. 22 Notre Dame. Packing the House Coach Marlon LeBlanc is hoping that the recent year’s attendance trends continue for the 2012 season. The average attendance per game has continued to rise as the number went from 996 in 2008 to 1,021 in 2009 to 1,047 in 2010 and then 1,087 in 2011. The rising attendance trends started in 2006 when the gates saw 8,334 people walk through, compared to 4,637 in 2005. WVU’s 2011 total home attendance was ranked nationally and there were six different matches where at least 1,000 fans packed the stands.
Game Winners WVU currently has six players who have recorded a total of 18 game-winning goals in their careers. Seniors Eric Schoenle and Shadow Sebele lead the team with five game winners apiece, while senior Peabo Doue has notched four. Sophomore Andy Bevin (2), senior Uwem Etuk (2) and senior Travis Pittman (1) account for the remaining game winners. Holding the Lead Making a difference down the stretch is important in every men’s soccer match, and WVU continues to be one of the top nationally by holding on to early leads. Since Marlon LeBlanc took the coaching reins in 2006, WVU is 30-3-2 all-time when leading at halftime. The Mountaineers are dangerous when the score is tied as well, holding a 30-20-15 advantage. Introducing the MAC This season the Mountaineer men’s soccer team will switch conferences for only the fourth time in school history when they begin competition in the Mid-American Conference. The addition of the Mountaineers will increase the MAC men’s soccer membership to eight members – five from MAC full-time membership and three affiliate members. West Virginia’s affiliation with the MidAmerican Conference provides our institution a platform to partner with quality soccer programs represented by a passionate fan base.
Shadow Sebele 71
Pat Eavenson
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2012 Men’s Soccer