CHARLESTON, W.Va. – #2 University of Charleston stretched their win streak to 5-0-0 after dispatching of Seton Hill last night in their first home game of the season.
 
Seton Hill looked to start the game in a defensive mindset, playing five midfielders and 1 sole attacker.  They wouldn't be the first team to try and combat UC's arsenal by overloading the midfield areas in an attempt to deny space. It did deny early chances, but UC controlled possession and gaps started to appear. UC's patience in possession led to a shooting opportunity for senior Conor Branson, which he obliged from 30 yards out. The ball did seem to move in the air meaning Seton Hill goalkeeper Christian Roberts could only parry to an on rushing Will Roberts, who was first to react and nodded the ball home. That was Robert's fourth goal in five games, putting him a head of his strike rate from last season.
 
Lewis Osborne looked very dangerous after coming off the bench, and was UC's fastest player on the night clocking a very impressive top speed of 32.3 km/h. This speed proved pivotal as he latched on to an excellent through pass from Felipe Rafael Antonio. Antonio continued his run, looking for a one-two, but Osborne had ideas of his own and used the run from Antonio as a distraction and sharply turned his defender to fire home from 18 yards out.
 
UC's pressing game and work rate was an effective factor throughout the course of the game. It was on the 44^th minute mark, when this time a press led from Branson, who covered a total distance of 11.231 km on the night, made an interception and found Antonio with his pass. Antonio forcefully drove at the heart of the Griffins defense, and played a beautifully weighted pass back to Branson. Branson took one touch inside to cut his defender, and calmly passed the ball into the back of the net.
 
Despite UC's 3-0 lead at half-time they couldn't further the scoring. However, UC did professionally see out the game, limiting the Griffins to a mere two shots while registering 27 shots themselves. It was another excellent night for the defensive duo of Jake Young and Jordan Lavender, who nullified any threat that Seton Hill posed. The Griffins had zero shots on target, meaning Fabian Veit had to make no saves on the night. The Griffins also had zero corners, compared to UC's seven. That is Charleston's third shutout in five games, and they are yet to concede a goal from open play.
 
Head Coach Chris Grassie was delighted with the result, but was quick to pass the credit to his staff, players and fans, stating: "It was a great night, the fans made the game really special. They were excellent. We hope to see them back for future games with hopefully even more songs to their repertoire. The whole event, from the youth clinic with Charleston Football Club, the prize tent by West Virginia Soccer Association, to the match itself was a big success. A big thank you to Tyler Amerman, Dan Stratford, Sean Teepen and of course Travis Chandler for working like maniacs to make it all happen."
 
UC is back in action at home next Wednesday against Concord for a 7pm kickoff.