PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The University of Pikeville men's soccer team suffered another tough loss Sunday, falling behind early to WVU Tech en route to a 9-0 defeat. The Bears saw little of the ball, with the guests outshooting the home side 24-10 and eventually going on cruise control for much of the second half.
 
The Golden Bears, led by a hat trick plus an assist from freshman Rodrigo Manzanares, were able to put on a clinic of both team play and individual skill. Joe Jackson also put in a major contribution up top for WVU Tech by netting a brace and setting up his teammates with two assists.
 
Mitchell Craig, Mario Pazk, Edson Borja, and substitute Hayden Brooks each added a goal to the Golden Bears' final tally, with Juan Suarez and Jonathan Eske each providing an assist. WVU Tech head coach Luis Cortell eventually substituted off most of the first team midway through the second half to let some younger players get a taste of the action.
 
UPIKE junior goalkeeper Sheldon Thomas had a busy afternoon, saving six of the 15 shots put on his goal by the Golden Bears. Thomas' WVU Tech counterpart, senior John Dunn, was called into action only once to save a shot from UPIKE freshman Austin Mustain before being substituted late. Dunn's replacement was freshman Christian Stickler, who made three more saves to preserve the clean sheet for the Golden Bears.
 
The news got worse for Pikeville late in the game when central defender Eric Bowling, midfielder Djemson Lormistois, and forward Chase Johnson were forced to leave the pitch with injuries. All three are expected to be match fit in time for next Wednesday's game, when the Bears welcome their rivals from Georgetown College (0-4) to Bob Amos Park.
 
WVU Tech plays its next match on Tuesday against Concord University.
 
-UPIKE-