Canes Battle, Fall to No. 2 Virginia 3-1
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami soccer team (3-3-1) conceded two goals in the final 13 minutes of the match, as they fell to No. 2 Virginia (8-0) Thursday evening by a final score of 3-1.
“I am absolutely gutted for our group tonight as the scoreline will not reflect our intensity,” said Head Coach Ken Masuhr. “Ultimately that is the difference in big games. Credit to Virginia, as they punished our mistakes. I am proud of my team and I am proud of the preparation my staff put together for this match. This is something we are building from and I am eager to see us have the chance to compete next week at home.”
Miami fell behind early, as Virginia found the back of the net off a set piece in the 8th minute of the match.
Soon after, UVA was rewarded with a penalty kick; but, Gray Willson made a sensational save to keep the Cavaliers from scoring a second goal early in the game. The save from Willson sparked the Hurricanes, as they showed exceptional poise despite trailing by a goal, and Miami began to raise the intensity of their play and put significant pressure on Virginia.
The Canes began to take complete control of the momentum and created several quality opportunities.
Miami broke through in the 41st minute with a stellar goal. After earning a corner kick, Tori Grambo played a beautiful cross in; and, Crosby Nicholson came soaring in and found the back of the net with a perfect finish off a header. The goal by the Canes marked just the second goal that Virginia had conceded all season.
The two teams entered halftime with the score even at one goal apiece.
Miami carried over the momentum that they built to end the first half to the second period, as they came out highly aggressive on offense to start the half and continued to press their attack.
Kyla Gallagher nearly broke through again for the Canes in the 59th minute with a heading attempt that sailed just wide of the goal.
After the two squads went back-and-forth over the next 18 minutes, Virginia found themselves with an opportunity on a counter-attack in the 77th minute, and the Cavaliers managed to find the back of the net to retake the lead.
UVA scored again in the 79th minute, extending their lead to 3-1, and Miami went on to fall to the Cavaliers.
The Canes recorded nine shots, three of which were on frame, while Virginia tallied 18 shots, seven of which were on frame.
Miami will return to the field next Thursday, September 19, when they are set to host SMU at Cobb Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
