Women's Soccer Falls to West Virginia to Open Virginia Soccer Classic
Story Links
Sept. 13, 2002
CHARLOTTESVILLE – The No. 10 Virginia women’s soccer team opened play at the 2002 Virginia Soccer Classic by falling 2-1 to West Virginia Friday night. The Cavaliers, looking for their first mid-season tournament crown at home in three years fell behind 2-0 at the half before their second half rally came up short.The Mountaineers (4-1) struck first as Rachel Kruze converted a Lisa Stoia pass into the net in the 16th minute. West Virginia would push their lead to two as Chrissie Abbott converted a penalty kick in the 40th minute.In the second half, the Cavaliers (1-2-1) mounted a comeback and cut the lead to2-1 when Alyssa Benitez (Lake Mary, Fla.) scored her third goal of the season on assists from Lindsay Gusick (Livonia, Mich.) and Sarah Lane (Wheaton, Ill.). However, that was as close as the Cavaliers would get as West Virginia played strong defense the last 20 minutes to secure the win.”I think in tough games like these, getting the first goal is critical,” stated Virginia head coach Steve Swanson. “When West Virginia got up 2-0, it gave them a lot of momentum and we had to change our game plan. Give them credit, they were the better team tonight.”Overall, Virginia outshot West Virginia 12-8 in the contest. Melissa Haire made five saves in net to help preserve the Mountaineer win.In the first game of the event, Dartmouth and Richmond played to a scoreless draw. Dartmouth and Virginia will play Sunday at 1:00 p.m. to conclude the event.
| Scoring | 1 | 2 | F |
| #10 Virginia | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| West Virginia | 2 | 0 | 2 |
1. WVU Kruze (Stoia) 15:292. WVU Abbott (PK) 39:083. UVa Benitez (Gusick/Lane) 69:15
Shots: UVa 12, WVU 8Corners: UVa 5, WVU 1Saves: UVa 0, WVU 5Fouls: UVa 5, WVU 9