MEN'S SOCCER

Roster  |  Coaches  |  Schedule / Results  |  News

Buffalo Men's Soccer Rolls Past Pitt At WVU Shootout, 2-1

Braden Byler

The WVU Shootout features four teams: Buffalo, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Fairfield. Both West Virginia and Fairfield joined the Bulls in the NSCAA/adidas national rankings last season, with West Virginia claiming a spot in the NCAA tournament. The four teams combined to go 43-27-8 in 2005.

Dan Gwyther

The Bulls (1-0-0) attacked early, as they were able to find the back of the net within the sixth minute of the match. Senior Braden Byler (Erie, PA/Cathedral Prep) struck the first blow for UB, finishing off a crossing pass from junior Dan Stevens (Liverpool, NY/Liverpool), who recorded his first-ever point in a Buffalo uniform. The Bulls held the lead for most of the match, with sophomore Dan Gwyther (London, England/Woodcote), UB’s Top Newcomer last season, putting the game away with a header off a corner kick from senior Erik Jaanimagi (Henrietta, NY/Rush-Henrietta) midway through the 74th minute. The Panthers (0-1-0) would strike back in the 81st minute with a shot from 12 yards out by Chris Bastidas.

The defense continued its dominance from last season, only allowing one shot on goal the entire game. Senior goalkeeper Daniel Bell (Brampton, Ontario/Notre Dame) recorded his school-best 24th career win. Pittsburgh goalkeeper Jordan Marks made three saves on nine shots.

In the second game of the WVU Shootout, West Virginia (1-0-0) narrowly escaped with a 1-0 victory over Fairfield (0-1-0), as Jyler Noviello netted the lone goal in the 33rd minute.

The Bulls will face WVU Sunday in the final day of the tournament. Kick-off is slated for 3:30 pm. UB has never beaten the Mountaineers, falling 3-0 in 1989 and 4-1 in 1998, both on the road.