Cal got a late goal to make it close, but Virginia was able to hold on for a 2-1 win in the ACC Tournament semifinals on Thursday, advancing to the conference title game for the first time since 2019.
UVA (12-1-4), the tournament’s top seed, got two goals in a nine-minute span of the second half – on an own goal in the 74th minute, and an AJ Smith goal in the 82nd minute.
Cal (8-8-2), the 12th seed, on a goal by Beau Morrison that was upheld by video review.
Credit to the Golden Bears – they controlled the action, with a 17-7 advantage in shots and a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal.
Credit also to UVA keeper Casper Mols, who had three saves.
Virginia will face the winner of the second semifinal between SMU and Syracuse on Sunday at 1 p.m.
The championship match will air on ESPNU.
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Chris Graham
