TENNERTON – Following a tight first half, the game got away from the Buckhannon-Upshur soccer Bucs in their home opener with the Greenbrier East Spartans on Saturday afternoon.

The Bucs trailed by just a 1-0 score at the half but went on to drop a 4-0 decision to the Spartans.

“I thought we came out very strong and aggressive,” remarked B-U head coach Dalton Auvil. “The first half we played very physical and as a unit. We had some great opportunities to score and played some great defense.”

The Bucs have failed to score a goal in their first two games.

“We just have to capitalize when we have those chances on offense,” stated Auvil.

Buckhannon-Upshur was outshot by a 20-5 margin but held a 2-1 margin in corner kicks. The Bucs were guilty of four fouls, while Greenbrier East was called for seven.

B-U keeper Slaton Kowalkoski made 16 saves, while counterpart William Vickers made five for the Spartans.

“I think Slaton played super well in goal; he definitely saved us back there multiple times,” said Auvil. “Greenbrier is a well-coached team with a lot of depth, and on a hot day like it was, they used their depth to their advantage. We will take it one game at a time, look to do some finishing sessions this week as we look to bounce back against a well-coached team with Wheeling Park.“

The Bucs (0-2) will be back on the pitch Tuesday when they visit Wheeling Park at 6 p.m.