BOX SCORE
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Twice trailing by a goal, Radford fought back each time to tie the match and eventually earn a draw at West Virginia on Monday. Bernardo Ulmo and Garland Smith scored their first goals of the season in the 2-2 tie with the Mountaineers.
West Virginia broke on top in just the 12th minute on a goal by Jamie Merriam.
The Highlanders battled the remainder of the half to trail 1-0 at the half. Both defenses dominated the first half. Neither goalkeeper recorded a save in the first 45 minutes as the game stayed in the midfield for the most part.
Radford's first shot on goal found the back of the net. Ulmo's turnaround and left-footed strike got past Mountaineer tender, Lee Johnston to equal the game in the 58th minute. Jamie Summers was credited with an assist on the play. It was the first tally of the season for RU.
WVU managed only two shots on goal for the game, but both found the net. The second came just three minutes after Ulmo tied the game. A quick strike by Majed Osman off a throw-in caught the Highlander defense off guard and again gave the Mountaineers a one-goal advantage.
Again, however, Radford responded. This time off the foot of rookie Smith. He scored his first career goal on a rebounded shot from Chel Ho Park Kim and pushed the Highlanders back even with just 13 minutes to play in regulation.
"Both goals were good team play, with Bismark Amofah getting all the way forward and providing good service," RU head coach Marc Reeves said. "Bernardo's was a fantastic strike, and I give Garland a great deal of credit to follow in and finish on the second goal."
Much like the first half, the defenses and midfield dominated the remainder of the contest, including both overtimes. Park Kim added a shot on goal in the second extra session, but Johnston turned it away. Both teams finished wtih 10 shots apiece.
"I was pleased with our second half determination as a team and resolve to come twice from behind against a good WVU team," Reeves added. "I thought we looked stronger as the game went on and had the better of the play in overtime."
"We used quite a few players and I believe our depth was a key to the game," Reeves said. "Daniel O'Keefe and Antonio Carrabotta both stepped in on injuries to our back line and played very well."
Radford will open its home season next Tuesday, September 10 vs. Appalachian State at 6:00 p.m. at Cupp Stadium.
