No. 5 Virginia Tops American, 2-0

Story Links

CHARLOTTESVILLE – The fifth-ranked Virginia men’s soccer team shut out American, 2-0, Tuesday night at Klöckner Stadium. Sophomore and Hermann Trophy candidate Will Bates (Chester, Va) scored a goal and added an assist to lead UVa.

With the win, the Cavaliers improved to 4-1-1 overall and extended their unbeaten streak against non-conference opponents to 16 games. The loss evened American’s overall record to 3-3 on the year.

“The second half was more inspiring than the first half,” UVa head coach George Gelnovatch said. “Sometimes with these Tuesday night games we get off to a slow start, but I will say that American is a very good side. From what I saw tonight, they are a playoff team.”

After a scoreless first half, Bates sparked the Cavalier offense when his shot ricocheted off of an American defender near the goal in the 60th minute. Junior forward Brian Ownby (Glen Allen, Va.) was able to one-touch the rebound into the back of the net to put Virginia up, 1-0.

Later in the second half, Bates dribbled past several defenders and got off a shot near the 18-yard line. Despite it deflecting off of an American defender, the ball sailed into the upper right-hand corner of the net. It was Bates’ third goal of the year.

In goal for Virginia, Diego Restrepo (West Palm Beach, Fla.) recorded his third shutout of the year and finished with two saves. Defender Sean Murnane (Centreville, Va.) saved a ball off the goal-line late in the second half to preserve the shutout for UVa.

Virginia out-shot American, 12-6, while corner kicks were even at four apiece.

Virginia improved to 16-3 in the all-time series with American and won its 10th-consecutive contest against the Eagles.

UVa has not lost to a non-conference opponent since the 2008 NCAA Tournament (2-0 to Connecticut on Nov. 25).

Up next, ACC play resumes for the ‘Hoos as they travel to Clemson for a Saturday (Sept. 25) match-up. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.