No. 5 Virginia Downs West Virginia In Opening Game Of Virginia Soccer Classic
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Sept. 7, 2001
The Virginia Cavaliers won their second game of the season in the opening game of the Virginia Soccer Classic, 2-1, over West Virginia in the first meeting between the two schools. Lori Lindsey scored her third goal of the season in just the second game of the season, and later assisted on Alyssa Benitez’ second goal of the season, which proved to be the game-winner.
“I thought we played a really good first half. We showed a lot of shooting discipline and moved the ball very well,” head coach Steve Swanson said. “In the second half, we gave them too much space, but once they scored we settled back in. Depth was definitely a factor for us tonight. We’re pleased with the result.”
Virginia came out firing in the first half, as Lindsey scored on the very first Cavalier shot, 3:25 into the game. Lindsey was set up by Katie Bunch and Laura Gaworecki, as Virginia was off to a quick 1-0 lead. The Cavaliers added four more shots in the next fifteen minutes, getting in good position around the net before Benitez gave the team a 2-0 lead, hitting the bottom right corner of the net on a pass from Lindsey. It was Benitez’ second goal of the year.
The Cavaliers held a 2-0 lead at the half, and all the way to the 57:24 mark of the game before West Virginia got on the board. After outshooting the Mountaineers 8-1 in the first half, the Cavaliers were outshot 7-2 in the second half, but still able to control the tempo of the game after the Mountaineer goal and earn the 2-1 victory. Anne Abernethy, starting in her first collegiate game in goal, made three saves and earned the win.
The Cavaliers are now 2-0 on the season, and return to action Sunday when they host Auburn at Klockner Stadium at 3:15 p.m. in the second game of Sunday’s Virginia Soccer Classic action. Game one between St. Louis and West Virginia starts at 1 p.m. In Friday’s opening game of the tournament. Auburn defeated St. Louis 2-1 in Friday’s first game, meaning the winner of Sunday’s Virginia-Auburn matchup wins the tournament.
NOTES – Virginia outshot West Virginia 10-8 … Lindsey led the way with four shots, while Benitez added two … Bunch’s assist on the first goal of the game was the first of her collegiate career, the first point scored by a first-year player this season … Through two games, Lindsey leads the team with seven points, one-third of her 20-game total of 21 points last season … Benitez and Lindsey are tied for the team lead with nine shots apiece … Gaworecki holds the team lead with two assists … Bunch, Lindsey and Kelly Worden each have one assist … Sunday’s game with Auburn marks the third consecutive opponent who is a first-time opponent for the Cavaliers.
BOX SCOREWest Virginia 0 1 1Virginia 2 0 2
Shots by periodWest Virginia 1 7 8Virginia 8 2 10
Corner kicksWest Virginia 2 0 2Virginia 3 0 3
SCORING SUMMARY1. 3:25 UVA Lindsey (3) assist – Bunch, Gaworecki2. 18:58 UVA Benitez (2), assist – Lindsey3. 57:24 WVU Kane, unassisted