The fourth-ranked UVA women’s soccer team suffered a 1-0 loss to second-ranked Florida State in the ACC Tournament final Sunday afternoon at the UNCG Soccer Stadium. The Cavaliers (18-2) suffered their second loss of the season to the Seminoles (18-1-1), who won their third ACC title in four seasons.
Virginia had its eight-game win streak snapped, which began after a 1-0 loss in Tallahassee on Sept. 28.
“We congratulate Florida State as they were the better team today in every phase,” said head coach Steve Swanson. “I don’t think we started the game well. We didn’t defend well and our decisions with the ball let us down, and normally that is one of our strengths, and they capitalized on that. In games like this, the first goal is really important. We were chasing the game and against a team that good, it makes it difficult. It is the second time we have had that happen against them this season.”
The Cavaliers had a chance to take an early lead in the sixth minute as Brittany Ratcliffe (Williamstown, N.J.) had a breakaway chance that was saved by FSU keeper Cassie Miller. Florida State took the lead in the 17th minute as Carson Pickett headed in a cross from Cheyna Williams for her first goal of the season.
The teams played a scoreless second half as the Seminole defense was able to preserve the shutout to capture the championship. It marked just the fourth time in the past 81 games that Virginia has been shutout, all coming against the Seminoles.
Overall, Florida State outshot Virginia 12-8, marking the first time this season that the Cavaliers were outshot in a contest. The Seminoles also had a 7-3 corner kick advantage. Sophomore Morgan Stearns (San Antonio, Texas) made a career-high seven saves in goal for Virginia, while Miller made two at the other end for Florida State.
Virginia had four players selected to the ACC All-Tournament team, as Morgan Brian (St. Simons Island, Ga.), Danielle Colaprico (Freehold, N.J.), Makenzy Doniak (Chino Hills, Calif.) and Emily Sonnett (Marietta, Ga.) were honored.
The field of 64 for the 2014 NCAA Tournament will be announced Monday at 4:30 p.m. on NCAA.com. Play will begin with first round games on Friday on campus sites.
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Chris Graham
