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Virginia Shuts Out Mercer, 4-0
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CHARLOTTESVILLE On a night honoring its seniors, the No. 14 Virginia men’s soccer team got two goals from sophomore Ross LaBauex and used a balanced offensive attack to defeat Mercer, 4-0, Tuesday at Klockner Stadium.
“Our energy level and togetherness was as high as it has been all season,” said head coach George Gelnovatch. “When you win, you’re happy, but I feel good about this team right now and it was a great night for our seniors.”
LaBauex got the Cavaliers going offensively in the 14th minute, when he put away a loose ball after a free kick outside the box by Chris Tierney. Later in the first half, the sophomore found the back of the net again in the 43rd minute when he finished a through ball played by Jonathan Villanueva.
For LaBauex, it was his fourth and fifth goals of the year, and the first multi-goal game of his career.
With a 2-0 lead in the second half, Matt Mitchell scored his second goal in as many games when he beat Mercer goalkeeper Roberto Cronenbold far post on assists by Villanueva and Tierney.
Nino DiMaggio put the finishing touch on the night for Virginia, when he finished a Chase Neinken cross with 20 seconds left in the game to put UVa up by the final score of 4-0.
Virginia out-shot Mercer, 18-2, and held a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks. Senior goalkeeper Kyle Rudzinski got the starting nod and posted the victory, while Dan Louisignau finished the game and led the Cavaliers to their seventh shutout of the year.
Virginia returns to ACC action Saturday night when it travels to Maryland. Kick-off from Ludwig Field is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast online by ACC Select.
#14 Virginia 4, Mercer 0
#14 Virginia (10-4-2) 2 2 4
Mercer (6-11-1) 0 0 0
Scoring Summary
1. UVa. LaBauex, 4 (unassisted) 14’
2. UVa. LaBauex, 5 (Villanueva) 43’
3. UVa. Mitchell, 2 (Villanueva, Tierney) 69’
4. UVa. DiMaggio 1 (Neinken) 90’
UVa Mercer
Shots: 18 2
Corners: 6 3
Saves: 0 5
Fouls: 6 12
YC/RC: 0/0 0/0
Weather: 56 degrees, clear
Attendance: 957