BECKLEY, W.Va. — WVU Tech men's soccer survived one of the most dramatic matches of the NAIA National Championship Second Round, outlasting Madonna University 4–3 in overtime Saturday evening at Paul Cline Stadium. With the victory, the Golden Bears (17–0–2) extend their unbeaten season to 19 matches and punch their ticket to the Round of 16 in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Tech opened the night with an explosive first half, scoring three times in the opening 31 minutes. Leny Duperray struck first just 72 seconds into the match off a driven setup from Gonzalo Sabeh, giving the Golden Bears instant momentum.
Senior forward Keishon Clarke then delivered back-to-back goals in the 14th and 31st minutes — the first assisted by Nicholas Ihnat, the second by Julen Recalde — pushing Tech to a 3–1 advantage after Madonna had momentarily closed the gap through Jordy Lopez.
Madonna (17–3–2), ranked No. 14 nationally entering the tournament, responded with second-half goals from Daniel Watkins and Lopez to equalize in the 66th minute, forcing overtime after a tense, back-and-forth closing stretch of regulation.
But in the 100th minute, the home crowd erupted.
Freshman defender Tiago Costa smashed home the golden goal off a perfectly delivered corner from Hugo Roman, sealing one of the most memorable postseason wins in program history.
Clutch Moments Define Overtime
WVU Tech controlled the extra period, generating multiple dangerous chances before Costa's winner. Roman's service from the corner found Costa making a run, redirecting the ball into the net at 99:51.
Goalkeeper Luka Felix held steady through the final frame, finishing with two saves in a match where Tech outshot Madonna 20–8 overall.
Match Notes
Goals:
WVU Tech — Duperray (1'), Clarke (14', 31'), Costa (100')
Madonna — Lopez (22', 65'), Watkins (50')
Assists:
WVU Tech — Sabeh, Ihnat, Recalde, Roman
Madonna — none listed
Saves:
Felix 2; Madonna's Afonso Henrique 9
Shots:
WVU Tech 20 (13 SOG); Madonna 8 (6 SOG)
Corners:
WVU Tech 6; Madonna 8
Season Context
The Golden Bears continue one of the nation's strongest resumes:
- 65 goals scored (3.42/g)
- 0.75 GAA and 10 shutouts on the season
- 281 shots, 167 on target
- 15-match winning streak
- Unbeaten in 19 straight
Clarke now sits at 10 goals, Recalde at 13, and Duperray also on 10, giving Tech three double-digit scorers heading into the national final site.
What's Next
WVU Tech advances to the NAIA Round of 16 in Orange Beach, Alabama, where they will face No. 21 Ottawa (Kan.). Date and time is TBD; coverage will be available at goldenbearathletics.com/coverage.