Second Largest Klockner Soccer Crowd Watches No. 5 UVa Shut Out No. 2 Clemson, 1-0
Story Links
Sept. 30, 2006
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – – Freshman midfielder Jonathan Villanueva scored his first career goal, which proved to be the game-winner, in the 75th minute as No. 5 Virginia shut out No. 2 Clemson, 1-0, handing the Tigers their first loss of the season in front of 7,428 fans, which is the second largest crowd for soccer in Klockner Stadium history. Virginia (10-1-0, 3-1-0 ACC) remained undefeated at home while the Tigers fell to 8-1-1 and 2-1-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
“I want to thank the fans. I put the challenge out there personally and they responded,” UVa head coach George Gelnovatch said. “This was such a great game. Both teams played hard. Our guys responded to the crowd, and we came away with a great win.”
Villanueva received a pass from the head of sophomore forward Yannick Reyering over the middle 30 yards out. He broke loose and side-stepped Clemson defenders, before firing a right-footed shot from 12 yards out for his first collegiate goal.
Clemson had one last chance in the final minutes. Greg Eckhardt headed a shot that UVa managed to save before crossing the line. The Cavaliers cleared the ball out maintain a 1-0 lead.
Virginia had good chances in the second half to score first. Nico Colaluca hit the post after Adam Cristman found him on the right side. Colaluca tried to squeeze a shot inside the right post, but his shot rebounded back to him. He missed high on his next attempt.
The Cavaliers had another threat in the 64th minute when Bakary Soumare had a shot on goal. Clemson keeper Joseph Bendik got a hand on Soumare’s shot that was heading just inside the left post to force a corner kick.
The teams played to a scoreless tie in the first period. Clemson threatened for the game’s first goal in the eighth minute. Mark Buchholz headed a Dane Richards corner kick that looked to cross the line, but UVa goalkeeper Ryan Burke swallowed up the ball for his first save of the game.
The Cavaliers broke free in the 37th minute when Cristman was headed to the goal. Bendik blocked his shot for one of his five saves. Cristman had another chance in the 43rd minute. His header was on frame, but Bendik stuck up his hands to save a potential goal for the Cavaliers.
Clemson’s last threat of the first period came seconds after Cristman’s shot in the 43rd minute. Richards received a ball on a breakaway that got through UVa defenders. Burke came up on Richards, Richards shot eased by Burke, UVa defender Zola Short save it to keep the game scoreless.Virginia out-shot Clemson, 15-7, in the game and held a 7-6 advantage in corner kicks. Burke finished the game with three saves in picking up his fourth shutout.
Phil Marfuggi started the game in goal for the Tigers before leaving at the 15:09 mark due to an injury. Bendik played 60 minutes in goal and recorded five saves.
The 7,428 fans were the most to watch a men’s soccer game in the ACC this season. The Klockner Stadium record stands at 7.807 which was set in 1994 in a NCAA Tournament game with James Madison.
UVa returns to action Tuesday night when the Cavaliers host Liberty at 7 p.m.