Soccer Falls to Undefeated No. 1 Virginia 4-0
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The University of Miami women’s soccer team was unable to carry its momentum into Thursday night’s match, falling in a conference tilt with undefeated and top-ranked Virginia 4-0 on the road at Klockner Stadium.
With the victory, the No. 1 Cavaliers improved their overall record to 17-0-0 this fall. Miami fell to 8-7-1 and 3-7-1 in ACC play.
A number of young Hurricanes saw crucial minutes against one of the nation’s premier sides, including freshmen Cortney O’Connell (55) and Emily Auld (43), sophomore Paige Lombard (64) and starting defenders Gianna Dal Pozzo (90) and Gracie Lachowecki (70).
“I was proud of the team for not giving up tonight,” head coach Mary-Frances Monroe said. “Some players got a lot more minutes in preparation for Sunday’s game in Blacksburg.”
Despite the loss, junior goalkeeper Emily Lillard made a season-high 10 saves on the night. Morgan Brian (24th minute), Molly Menchel (30’), Makenzy Doniak (70’) and Amber Fry (89’) tallied for the Cavaliers, who improved to 11-0-0 in ACC play this season.
“Emily played a great game with a number of big saves,” Monroe said. “I give a lot of credit to Virginia – there is a reason they are ranked first in the country.”
In its final road contest of the regular season, Miami travels to No. 6 Virginia Tech Sunday fighting for a berth in the 2013 ACC Championship. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.
“Looking ahead to Sunday, it’s very important to get three points,” Monroe said. “We will be ready to compete.”
