Golden Bears earn draw in top-five season opener

BECKLEY, W.Va. — WVU Tech men’s soccer opened the 2026 season with a top-five matchup Sunday afternoon, battling No. 4 University of the Cumberlands to a 1-1 draw at the YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Sports Complex.

The No. 2 Golden Bears broke through early in the second half when freshman Kai Cooper found the back of the net in the 48th minute. Cooper finished with a team-high three shots, putting two on goal.

Tech nearly grabbed the lead before halftime when Cooper’s shot in the 45th minute struck the post. The Golden Bears carried that momentum into the second half, with Cooper putting another attempt on goal just 23 seconds after the break before scoring at 47:33 to give Tech a 1-0 advantage.

Cumberlands answered in the 56th minute when Dunsting Cohen Jr. scored off an assist from Zabir Taylor to even the match.

The Golden Bears continued to create opportunities after the equalizer. Gonzalo Sabeh put a shot on goal in the 75th minute, while Joost Hermeling and Wilfredo Briceño also created chances as Tech finished with seven of its eight shots in the second half.

WVU Tech earned eight corner kicks in the match, including five after halftime.

Senior goalkeeper Ramon Ferrari was steady throughout the afternoon, making five saves over 90 minutes. Tech kept Cumberlands to one goal despite the Patriots putting seven shots on target.

Cooper led the Golden Bears with three shots and Tech’s lone goal. Sabeh and Hermeling added two shots apiece.

The draw puts WVU Tech at 0-0-1 to begin the season.

What’s next

WVU Tech hits the road for the first time this season Friday, Aug. 28, when the Golden Bears face Milligan University. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. in Milligan College, Tennessee.