MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - The University of Pennsylvania men's soccer team fell behind early and was unable to make up the ground late on Saturday night in the mountains, falling 3-0 to West Virginia, a team receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches top-25. The loss drops the Quakers to 3-3-1 on the season. 

PENN NEWS AND NOTES
*Despite the difference in goals, Penn was only outshot by the Mountaineers 11-9. WVU did a better job putting the ball on frame however, with an 8-4 advantage in shots on target.

*Dane Jacomen collected a season-high five saves in defeat.

*Ben Stitz led the team with three shots, including one on goal.

*The three goals allowed ties the most the Quakers have conceded since Brian Gill took over as head coach last year.

*The Quakers fall to 1-4 all-time vs. West Virginia. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Mountaineers got on the front foot of things in the early going, pressing Penn's defense from the opening whistle. It took only nine minutes for West Virginia to jump in front, back heeling a goal crossed in from the right flank, putting the Quakers in a 1-0 deficit. 

Similar to last match against Lehigh, Penn posted a strong initial response after the opening goal, nearly drawing level at the 13 minute mark off a set piece. Brandon Bartel looped the ball in the box to a streaking Alex Touche who connected with an outstretched leg, but the Mountaineer keeper collected the save to preserve their lead. 

Penn struggled to string together passes in the midfield to get its offense opportunity the remainder of the first half, only able to muster a long distance try from Dami Omitaomu outside of Touche's chance, but the Quaker defense held strong to deny WVU additional goals.

The Red and Blue opened the second half with energy on offense, eager to equalize, notching four shots, including three on goal, in the opening 26 minutes of action. The Quakers did well to maintain a larger bulk of possession than in the first half, at one point earning three-straight corner kicks in the span of 90 seconds, but couldn't find the result they were looking for. 

Unfortunately for Penn, the Mountaineers found their second goal of the night in the 68th minute on a loose ball following a corner kick, and just over 10 minutes following, the home team found another to make the final score 3-0.

WHAT'S NEXT?
Ivy League play is on the horizon for the Quakers, as Penn will host Cornell in the conference opener next Saturday, Oct. 5 at Rhodes Field.