A Test of Resilience
The Mountaineers will host St. Bonaventure at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium in Morgantown on August 24, marking their first home appearance of the season. The match follows a 3-0 defeat to Charlotte in the opener, a result that has left the coaching staff eager to see a swift bounce‑back.
St. Bonaventure entered the new campaign with a 2-0 victory over Niagara, showcasing a late surge that saw goals from Jack Steel and Kyle Macfarlane in the 61st minute. The Bonnies tallied 11 shots, seven on target, and will rely on goalkeeper Winston Jory, the 2025 Golden Valley Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, to guard the net.
Key Players to Watch
For West Virginia, senior offensive standout Pablo Pozos, who earned preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors, will be a focal point. Kanta Ishii led the Mountaineers with three shots in the opening loss, while Tyler Londono Zapata and Isaac Scheer also contributed. Defensively, Toby Mawer will hope to tighten up after conceding three goals in his first start.
St. Bonaventure’s physical approach was evident in their 11 fouls against Niagara, suggesting a willingness to battle in midfield. WVU must match that intensity while improving shot conversion, having managed only three shots on goal compared with Charlotte’s seven.
The upcoming clash offers both teams a chance to fine‑tune strategies before conference play ramps up. A win for the Mountaineers could signal a turnaround, while a strong performance by the Bonnies would reinforce their status as a top contender in the region.