The season came to an end for the Cavaliers on Sunday (Nov. 20) as No. 15 UVA (15-5-2) fell at No. 5 Georgetown (19-2-3) by a score of 2-0 in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
An own goal and a goal off a free kick proved to be the difference as Virginia out-shot Georgetown 9-to-3 for the match, but the home-standing Hoyas capitalized on the few opportunities allowed to pick up the victory.
“With weather like this you knew it was going to come down to one or two plays, and at the end there it didn’t happen our way,” said Virginia head coach Steve Swanson. “I’m proud of our team and thought we played a good second half, it just wasn’t enough today. We were playing our best soccer of the year at the end, and that’s why it was disappointing for both teams that you couldn’t really play soccer on a day like today with the wind like it was.
“Georgetown is a tough team and they finish; they don’t need many chances to convert goals. On a day like this it can be a difference maker and it was today. Credit Georgetown for the way they defended as well. Full marks to them for the way they played, they deserved to win, but I’d have liked to see a game where the weather wasn’t as impactful on both teams as it was today.”
The wind wreaked havoc on the game, making it difficult for both teams to find a rhythm offensively. The Cavaliers got the first shot of the match from Betsy Brandon (Littleton, Colo.) in the 16th minute, but it was scooped up by the Hoya keeper without much trouble.
The defense for both teams was key, adjusting to the conditions and turning back the few chances each offense could put together. Virginia had the only two shots of the first half as the match was scoreless at the break.
The Hoyas took the lead in the 47th minute when an own goal by the Cavaliers put the home team on the board. A short corner by Georgetown led to a service along the end line. A Virginia player attempted to clear the ball, but the clearance attempt by the Cavaliers deflected back and into the net for the Georgetown lead.
The Cavaliers got a chance for the equalizer in the 67th minute as Alissa Gorzak (Naperville, Ill.) sliced through the defense, taking the ball down the middle of the Hoya back line and into the box. The freshman fired the shot in front of the keeper, but it hit the post and was cleared as Georgetown maintained the lead.
The Hoyas extended the lead in the 77th minute off a free kick from 20 yards out just past the far corner of the box. Rachel Corboz took the free kick, sending the ball over the wall and in to the net for the 2-0 Georgetown lead.
The two-goal differential held for the duration as Virginia fell 2-0 to the Hoyas.
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Chris Graham
