MORGANTOWN, WV – The University at Buffalo men's soccer
team opened the 2009 season with a 1-0 victory over the University
of Pittsburgh in the first contest of the West Virginia
University/Nike Classic. In the 18th minute, senior Alex Mihal
ripped a 30-yard shot from the far left side putting it in the
upper 90 past the Panthers' goalie to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead and
the eventual victory.
Alex Mihal Three newcomers started in their first contest with the
Bulls including freshmen defender Akil Howard (Queens,
NY/Shattuck-St. Mary's) and junior transfers Michael Unwin
(Basingstoke, England/North Iowa CC) and Casey Derkacz (Hamburg,
NY/Penn State).
Receiving his first career start, Nick Fetterman made two saves in
90 minutes of action resulting in his first collegiate victory.
The Bulls and Panthers finished even with 11 shots each. The
difference came in the shots on goal with the Bulls holding a 5-2
advantage. Unwin and Mihal tied for the team lead in shots with two
each.
"We looked like a typical team coming out of the gate with newer
players. Although I am certainly happy with the result, we were not
firing on all cylinders tonight. At times we played well and not so
much at other times. This one is in the books and we will move on
to West Virginia on Sunday," said coach John Astudillo.
Following a day off on Saturday, the Bulls (1-0, 0-0 MAC) will
return to action when they face host West Virginia on Sunday at 4
pm to conclude the Classic.