No. 5 West Virginia men’s soccer used a late goal from Max Broughton to beat Vermont 2-1 on Saturday, advancing to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the second time in three years.
It was a match which seemed to be teetering on the edge of one player stepping up in a big moment, and Broughton was able to be that player.
The Mountaineers worked to earn a corner kick, which ended in their favor. Frederik Jorgensen crossed the ball to the near post where Broughton headed the ball and tucked it inside the post, at the 81:03 mark of the match.
Vermont would counter with one more chance, as Carter Johnson had a look from the penalty area, but West Virginia goalkeeper Jackson Lee was able to dive and get his right hand on it as the Mountaineers.
Broughton’s goal was only the second of the season, while the assist from Jorgensen was his fourth.
The Mountaineers got on the board early over the Catamounts as Yutaro Tsukada continued his momentum from his game-winner against Louisville in the second round with an early goal, just 3:03 into the match.
From there, Vermont, which was playing their third match of the NCAA Tournament, would seize control of the match.
Vermont had 19 total shots on the afternoon, including eight shots on goal. The Catamounts would get on the board in the 32nd minute as Johnson shot a ball from the top of the 18-yard box, deflecting off a Mountaineer defender and past the reach of Lee, tying the game at 1-1.
Minutes later, Vermont tried to take the lead, as Johnson would head a ball on a cross, but it went straight into Lee’s arms for a save.
Lee had seven saves on the afternoon, which was the most he had in any match this season. West Virginia registered 14 total shots, but just three shots on goal. Vermont was the more physical team, as they were whistled for 15 fouls, compared to just two for the Mountaineers.
West Virginia men’s soccer now moves on to host the winner of James Madison and Loyola Marymount (CA), next weekend in the Elite Eight. West Virginia made this round in 2021 but lost to Georgetown in penalty kicks.
The Mountaineers also recorded their 16th win of the season on Saturday, which is a program record.
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