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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. Jonathan Villanueva played a part in each of the Cavaliers’ four goals and the Virginia men’s soccer team defeated American, 4-2, Tuesday night at Klckner Stadium. Villanueva scored his first goals of the season and assisted on two more to keep the Cavaliers unbeaten in their last seven matches at home.
“American is a good opponent, they were well organized and a possessive team and this was not an easy game,” UVa head coach George Gelnovatch said. “On the flip side, we were able to score four goals and I thought we managed the game well. We can now turn our attention to Maryland.”
Virginia (9-5-1) got on the board in the seventh minute, when Matt Mitchell finished passes from Villanueva and Brian Ownby from the left side for his fourth goal of the season.
The Cavaliers were able to tack on another goal before halftime when Ownby gained possession of a pass from Villanueva and finished to the lower right side. For the freshman Ownby, it was his third goal of the year.
Four minutes into the second half, Villanueva scored his first goal of the year on a header in the 48th minute off of a cross from Neil Barlow to put the Cavaliers up, 3-0.
American (7-6-2) battled back and scored in the 63rd minute, but Villanueva and the Cavaliers responded with a goal seconds later to take the momentum away from the Eagles. Villanueva’s second goal of the night was assisted by Matt Mitchell.
Although American scored another goal in the 69th minute, UVa secured the 4-2 victory. In its last seven matches at home, the Cavaliers hold a 6-0-1 unbeaten record.
In goal for Virginia, Michael Giallombardo earned the starting nod and registered three saves. Matt Makowski and Ryan Leonard split time in goal for American and each recorded three saves.
Virginia has two final regular-season home games: Friday, Oct. 31 vs. Maryland at 7 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 7 vs. Wake Forest at 7 p.m.