The name Marcus Caldeira will go down in the WVU record books as one of the top soccer players, maybe athletes in general, in Mountaineer history.
The four-year star scored a hat trick Thursday night against former Big East foe St. John’s, helping to lead his team to a 4-3 comeback win. It was his second hat trick of the season and seventh multi-goal game.
Caldeira’s three goals were goals number 39, 40, and 41, with his 40th career goal tying the match at three a piece, and his 41st career goal in overtime advancing the Mountaineers (13-4-3) to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He is tied for third all-time in program history with Walter Nistorenko.
The Sun Belt Preseason Offensive Player of the Year made a huge decision to return for his senior season in the Old Gold and Blue despite being drafted in the first round of the MLS Draft to the Minnesota United SC. His loyalty to the Mountaineers and the outstanding four seasons will cement his name at the university.
It was a defensive battle in the first 45 minutes of Thursday’s first round matchup, heading into halftime scoreless. The Red Storm came out hot at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium in Morgantown, taking a 2-0 lead six minutes into the second half. But then entered Caldeira back onto the field.
At the 69-minute mark, Caldeira pumped up the Mountaineer crowd after scoring his first goal of the matchup and putting WVU on the board.
At the 87-minute mark, needing to find another equalizer, the 21-year-old striker tied the game up at two.
Caldeira added to his tally with the golden goal in the first 10-minute overtime. Craziness ensued at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium as Caldeira removed his shirt and jumped into the stands with his teammates. It was an unreal game winner as Calderia dribbled between defenders and took the ball to the goal all by himself.
WVU Men’s Soccer will get a redemption match in the second round of the tournament on Sunday, November 23 as they travel to take on the N0. 9 High Point Panthers in High Point, North Carolina. First kick is set for 7:30 p.m. The two teams met earlier in the 2025 season on September 23 which ended in a 2-2 tie at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.
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