West Virginia (2-1-1) took the field Monday with more than just a win on its mind.
The Mountaineers wore black bands around their forearms in tribute to head coach Dan Stratford’s father, who passed away Sunday. Stratford’s father played an important role in his life and soccer career, both as a player and a coach.
Stratford addressed the team before the match, and his players responded with a comeback victory over George Mason (1-2-1). Read more: Mountaineers rally behind Stratford, top George Mason 2-1.
West Virginia entered Monday’s matchup hungry after its midweek ranked contest against No. 9 Akron was declared a no contest due to weather.
West Virginia plays from behind
After a good chunk of the first half seemed to fall in the Mountaineers’ favor, George Mason struck first.
George Mason took a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute when James Eliuda found the back of the net. It came from a right-footed shot from the center of the box. Jaime Godinho and Yannick Mambo were credited with assists on the goal.
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Despite trailing, West Virginia kept creating chances as the first half came to a close. The Mountaineers held a 4-3 advantage in shots and put two of their four attempts on target. WVU also held the edge in corner kicks, 2-1, heading into halftime.
West Virginia finds another gear
Stratford said there was a change at halftime, and the Mountaineers came out of the break looking like a different team.
“I thought there was a mentality shift at halftime and a real collective effort that was special to watch,” Stratford said.
West Virginia eventually found its equalizer through senior forward Pablo Pozos, who converted from the penalty spot to make it 1-1.
The old gold and blue were not finished, though.
Sophomore forward Julen Recalde found the go-ahead goal later in the half, putting West Virginia in front 2-1 and completing the comeback. Freshman forward Sammie Walker was credited with the assist.
The second half showed the difference in West Virginia’s attack, as the Mountaineers continued to push toward the George Mason goal and put pressure on the Patriots’ defense.
Stratford said the team had been doing enough throughout the match to earn the result, but it needed to find a way to finish it.
“If we have to do it through sheer will and determination, that’s a really good quality to have,” Stratford said.
The win was an important one for West Virginia after the Mountaineers entered the match at 1-1-1.
But Monday became about more than just the result.
With about 10 minutes remaining, Stratford admitted he was “toast,” but his team found a way to hold onto the lead and finish the comeback.
The black bands around the players’ arms served as a reminder of why the night meant so much.
“I asked at halftime for a little extra bit of magic and he must have come through,” Stratford said. “It was special.”
West Virginia now turns its attention to the next challenge. The Mountaineers are set to welcome Denver to Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium for the first time in program history. First touch set for 7:00 p.m., and the match can be found on ESPN+.
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