Cavaliers Roll Past Howard, 2-0

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Virginia men’s soccer team knocked off Howard, 2-0, in a dominating performance Tuesday evening at Klöckner Stadium. Virginia out-shot the Bison, 30-2, as the Cavaliers spent virtually the entire match in the Howard third of the field.

“We moved the ball well and had possession about 90 percent of the time,” Virginia head coach George Gelnovatch said. “We created two one-on-one chances in the first half and both could have been goals. The key at halftime was not getting frustrated. We said to keep doing what we’re doing and eventually it will take care of itself.”

Hunter Jumper (Sr., Plano, Texas) and Will Bates (Jr., Chester, Va.) each scored for Virginia (9-5-0).

The Bison (2-9-2) did not record a shot until the 73rd minute. UVa goalkeeper Spencer LaCivita (Fr., Raleigh, N.C.) did not face a shot on goal all evening and was credited with his fifth shutout. Howard keeper Eric Hamilton made eight saves.

The teams played a scoreless first half, despite UVa recording 12 shots and putting five shots on goal. UVa’s Ryan Zinkhan (Fr., Fredericksburg, Va.) was stopped from short range by Hamilton in the sixth minute, while Bates also was stuffed in a one-on-one opportunity by Hamilton in the 29th minute.

The Cavaliers finally struck in the 63rd minute when Jumper curled a free kick just inside the far upper 90 from about 25 yards out. It marked his first goal of the year and his fourth career score.

UVa added a second goal in the 71st minute. After Bates was fouled just inside the top of the Howard box, the Cavaliers were awarded a penalty kick. Bates converted on the kick for his 14th goal of the season.

Virginia returns to ACC play at 7 p.m. Friday when it travels to Virginia Tech.