Hurricanes Face Must-Win at Virginia
Oct. 26, 2011
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami women’s soccer team will compete in its 2011 regular season finale against No. 9 Virginia, Thursday at 7 p.m. at Klockner Stadium.
Miami (9-6-1, 3-5-1 ACC) is coming off a heartbreaking loss to No. 15 Florida State on Sunday in Tallahassee, Fla. The Canes held a 2-1 halftime lead before surrendering three goals in a 15-minute span, including the game winner in the 76th minute.
Kate Howarth continued her recent success in that game with her team-leading 10th goal of the season. Freshman Ashley Finn added the Canes’ other goal.
Virginia (12-3-2, 6-2-1 ACC) enters the game on a four-game winning streak after wins over FSU, NC State, Clemson and Virginia Tech. They lead the ACC and rank seventh nationally in scoring with 2.65 goals per game and are led by junior Caroline Miller, who leads the ACC with 14 goals this season.
This is a must win game for the Canes, who are currently one point out of the final spot in the ACC tournament. With a win, Miami will make the tournament in all scenarios except for two.
If Virginia Tech and UNC lose their final game, it will cause a tie for eighth place between UM and VT. That tie would be decided by the Canes head-to-head loss to the Hokies, leaving Miami on the outside looking in.
The other scenario involves a VT and FSU tie. Miami and FSU will be tied with 13 points. In this case, Miami will only make the tournament with a Maryland loss.
ACC postseason play begins on Sunday with or without Miami. The Canes fate will be determined following Thursday’s games.
