Cavalier Women's Soccer Rallies for 2-1 Win Over St. John's
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CHARLOTTESVILLE – The No. 4 Virginia women’s soccer team posted its second come-from-behind win of the season, downing St. John’s 2-1 Tuesday evening at Klöckner Stadium. Molly Menchel (Alexandria, Va.) and Gloria Douglas (Fayetteville, N.C.) scored goals over the final 20 minutes to rally the Cavaliers to victory.
“I am happy to get a result,” said head coach Steve Swanson. “To come back and win is a tribute to the heart of this team. But we made this game a lot more difficult than it needed it to be. We missed some chances early and that gave them some life. We gave up a soft goal early in the second half and it gave them more life. We can learn a lot from this game, and when you can learn important lessons and still win, that’s a positive.”
The teams played a scoreless first half, despite a 15-1 Virginia shot advantage. The Red Storm (1-2-1) took the lead in the 48th minute as Chelsey Martino got a ball in the midfield, dribbled to the edge of the box and floated a shot just inside the far post for her first goal of the season.
The Cavaliers (4-0-0) continued to pressure at the other end and finally drew even in the 73rd minute, scoring on their 26th shot of the game. A corner kick was headed by Morgan Brian (St. Simons Island, Ga.) towards goal, but the ball was saved off the line by a defender guarding the post. It came right to Menchel, who knocked in the rebound for her second goal of the year.
Virginia took the lead in the 86th minute. Caroline Miller’s (Rockville, Md.) shot towards the far post was saved off the line by a defender, but the rebound went to Douglas, who knocked in the game-winner. It was Douglas’ third goal of the season and her second game-winner, both coming in the final five minutes of games.
Overall Virginia outshot St. John’s 35-3, and had a 15-0 corner kick edge. Chantel Jones (Midlothian, Va.) made two saves for the Cavaliers, while Kristin Russell made 10 saves for the Red Storm.
The Cavaliers continue their homestand on Friday as they host Arizona State (2-0-0). Game time at Klöckner Stadium is set for 7 p.m.
#4 Virginia 2, St. John’s 1
St. John’s (1-2-1) 0 1 – 1
#4 Virginia (4-0) 0 2 – 2
Scoring Summary
1. SJU. Chelsey Martino 1 (unassisted) 48′
2. UVa. Molly Menchel 2 (Morgan Brian 1) 73′
3. UVa. Gloria Douglas 3 (Caroline Miller 3) 86′
Shots: UVa 35, SJU 3
Corners: UVa 15, SJU 0
Saves: UVa 2 (Chantel Jones 2), SJU 12 (Kristin Russell 10, Team 2)
Fouls: UVa 5, SJU 7
Attendance: 741