WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Carolina University Men's Soccer returned to Bryan Park Soccer Complex on Saturday, September 26, looking to build on a strong 6-1 start to the 2026 season. The Bruins faced a challenging West Virginia University Institute of Technology side that entered the afternoon with a 2-1-3 record.
WVU Tech ultimately pulled away from Carolina, handing the Bruins a 7-1 defeat and dropping CU to 6-2 on the season. The Golden Bears improved to 3-1-3 with the victory.
The visitors struck first just 4:50 into the match when Gonzalo Sabeh found the back of the net. Carolina responded almost immediately. Just 25 seconds later, Jordan Julien provided the equalizer, scoring his first goal of the season to make it 1-1 in the fifth minute.
After Carolina's quick response, WVU Tech began to take control. Gonzalo Colman restored the Golden Bears' advantage in the 19th minute before Joost Hermeling added another goal at 22:58. Linus Kleinewiese scored with less than two minutes remaining in the opening half, sending Carolina into halftime trailing 4-1.
WVU Tech maintained the pressure after the break, adding three second-half goals. Sabeh scored twice in the second half to complete a hat trick, while Wilfredo Briceno closed out the scoring in the 88th minute.
The Golden Bears finished the contest with a 27-6 advantage in total shots and a 14-3 edge in shots on goal. WVU Tech also generated 10 corner kicks compared to one for Carolina. Bruins goalkeeper Isaac Bunton played all 90 minutes and recorded six goalkeeper saves, while Carolina was also credited with a defensive save.
Head Coach Craig Golding reflected on the setback and the opportunity for his team to respond moving forward.
"Today was a difficult result against a very good West Virginia Tech team. We responded well after conceding early, but we weren't able to sustain that throughout the match. There are lessons for us to take from this, and now it is about how we respond. We have a strong group, and one result doesn't change the work we've put in or what we're capable of accomplishing this season."
The loss moves Carolina University to 6-2 overall as the Bruins look to regroup and turn their attention toward their next match. Men's Soccer travels to Montreat College on Wednesday September 30 for 5:30pm kickoff.
