Mountaineers Look to get back on track against American

On Tuesday night, the No. 18 West Virginia men’s soccer team will return to Dick Dlesk Stadium to take on the American Eagles at 7 p.m. 

West Virginia (1-2-0), is coming off a pair of road losses in Pennsylvania, first to the No. 2 Pitt Panthers, and most recently to the Penn State Nittany Lions. 

West Virginia let one get away in State College, as the Mountaineers held a 2-1 lead before giving up the last two goals of the contest, falling 3-2. 

Against the Nittany Lions, WVU netted its goals off the feet of seniors Luke McKormick and Dyon Dromers. McKormick, who scored three goals last season, recorded his first of the season, while Dromers recorded his first goal and second point of the season. 

Coming into Morgantown to challenge the Mountaineers is the 2-0-1 American Eagles. The Eagles got their season started with a draw against UNC Wilmington and Old Dominion and George Mason in back-to-back contests. 

Leading the way for American over the last two games has been midfielder Robbie Matei, who scored a goal in both victories across the week. 

A key to the Mountaineers picking up an essential home victory will be the play of keeper Jackson Lee. Lee, the George Mason transfer, started the season strong with a shutout against Robert Morris, but gave up a combined six goals in the two losses WVU suffered last week. 

Lee is succeeding Steven Tekesky, who was the keeper for four years, so there is sure to be some early hiccups, but the Mountaineers will need Lee to step up and prove himself. 

Another key to a Mountaineer victory will be getting Ciro Bourlot Jaeggi involved on offense. In 2021, Bourlot Jaeggi was the leading scorer for the Mountaineers, netting six goals in the Elite Eight season.  

Despite the success of last season, Bourlot Jaeggi has not registered a point thus far, but the season is still young, and a goal or an assist will help boost the WVU offense going forward. 

The Mountaineers and Eagles will start play at 7 p.m. from Dick Dlesk Stadium. It is Military and Service Appreciation Night. Fans with proof of military or medical employee identification will receive free admission.