HIGHLANDERS TAKE ON MOUNTAINEERS TUESDAY NIGHT

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RADFORD, Va. – The Radford men's soccer team heads to Morgantown, W.Va. for the first time since 2013 to take on the Mountaineers of West Virginia University on Tuesday night.

SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: West Virginia Mountaineers
When: Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.
Where: Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium (Morgantown, W.Va.)
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ABOUT THE MATCH-UP
Historically speaking, Radford has struggled in its limited opportunities against West Virginia. In seven previous meetings, the Highlanders are 1-4-2 dating back to Sept. 11, 1992 when Radford earned a 3-1 victory.

In their most recent meeting, Radford and WVU tied 2-2 following two overtime periods. No current player made an appearance in that contest, but there was an official named Amadou Diop – the same name as Radford's freshman forward.

LAST TIME OUT
This past Saturday, Radford hosted Campbell in a match that represented both the 2018 home opener and Big South opener. Following a scoreless first half, the Camels found the back of the net in the 59^th and 80^th minutes to secure the win.

Senior forward Khori Bennett led the way for Radford with three shots including one on goal. Victor Valls, Amadou Macky Diop and Myles Yorke has put shots on frame. Redshirt freshman Dimitrios Valkanos once again got the start at goalkeeper and he finished with five saves.

OFFENSIVE STRUGGLES
The Highlanders have yet to find their rhythm on offense this year and the stats show it. Through five games, Diop's 28^th-minute goal at JMU remains the only score tallied for Radford this season.

A big part of those struggles has been chance creation. Radford has been out-shot 71-46 so the chances just haven't been there as frequently as they would like. The good news is that the Highlanders actually have a higher percentage of shots on goal at .413 compared to .394 for opponents.

CORNER KICK DOMINANCE
One big positive from Radford's performances so far this season has been its ability to create set piece opportunities through corner kicks. The Highlanders have taken a whopping 35 corners (7.0 per game) compared to just 12 by their opponents (2.4 per game).

SCOUTING THE MOUNTAINEERS
West Virginia enters Tuesday night's match with a 5-3 record this season thanks to a three-game win streak featuring Saint Francis Pa. (3-1), Cincinnati (2-0) and Dayton (2-0). The Mountaineers have outscored opponents 14-5 this season and have gone undefeated at home through three games. Redshirt senior midfielder Joey Piatczyc leads the team with eight points on two goals and four assists while Pascal Derwaritsch, Ethan Shim and Rushawn Larmond have each scored three goals. Sophomore goalkeeper Steven Tekesky has played all but seven minutes this season, collectiong 31 saves and a .861 save percentage that includes three shutouts. In the MAC preseason poll, the Mountaineers were picked to finish third behind Akron and Western Michigan.

FOLLOW MEN'S SOCCER
For more information on the Radford men's soccer team visit RadfordAthletics.com, follow @RadfordMSoccer on Twitter, 'radfordmsoccer' Instagram or Radford Men's Soccer on Facebook.

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Players Mentioned

#30 Dimitrios Valkanos: GK; 6' 1"; Redshirt Freshman

#5 Victor Valls: MF; 5' 9"; Redshirt Junior

#26 Myles Yorke: D; 6' 1"; Redshirt Senior

#10 Khori Bennett: M; 6' 0"; Senior

#12 Amadou Macky Diop: F; 6' 3"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#30 Dimitrios Valkanos
: 6' 1"; Redshirt Freshman
: GK

#5 Victor Valls
: 5' 9"; Redshirt Junior
: MF

#26 Myles Yorke
: 6' 1"; Redshirt Senior
: D

#10 Khori Bennett
: 6' 0"; Senior
: M

#12 Amadou Macky Diop
: 6' 3"; Freshman
: F