The stage was set for a big game for the Virginia women's soccer team Friday night. It was senior night and the last home game for the No. 8 Cavaliers. More importantly, it was a pivotal game in deciding Virginia's post-season seeding for the ACC tournament which is this weekend.
The Cavaliers (13-3-1, 5-2 ACC) didn't disappoint the 1,248 fans at Klockner Stadium as they shut out Wake Forest (8-6-1,3-4), 2-0. With the victory, Virginia clinched second place in the ACC.
"It's a good way to finish out the regular season for us," Virginia coach Steve Swanson said. "Any time you can finish second in the ACC is good. The ACC is the strongest conference in the country."
Virginia got on the board at the 58th minute, courtesy of an extraordinary goal by freshman phenom Lindsay Gusick. Midfielder Taylor Wood set up on the right side of the field and passed it over to a streaking Gusick in front of the net. Gusick showed off her fancy footwork as she knocked the ball in behind her, dribbling it out of reach of Wake Forest goalkeeper Erin Regan.
"It was a great show of agility, the way she flicked the ball in behind her," Swanson said of Gusick's goal.
"It was a great cross by Taylor," Gusick said. "I was just trying to get a foot on it, so that was an interesting goal."
Gusick struck again 20 minutes later. This time her goal was unassisted as she broke away and nailed the ball past Regan when the Deacon goalkeeper came out of the net.
The goals were Gusick's 12th and 13th of the season, giving her the conference lead in goals scored and extending her team lead in points.
Gusick's second-half exploits came after a scoreless first half. Wake Forest's defense as well as its physical and aggressive play initially stifled Virginia.
"They tried to clog up the middle, respecting [center midfielder] Lori Lindsey's ability," Swanson said of the Wake Forest defense. "I think it took us a little bit of time to adjust to where the space was and realize that there was more space wide.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game," Swanson continued. "Wake Forest always plays a hard game. I was pleased with our effort and I was pleased with the way we come out and fought."
The Cavaliers' fighting spirit helped them achieve several milestones Friday night.
"It was the 50th win for our seniors," Swanson said. "That was one of our goals for tonight, to give them the win."
"This is the highest we've ever finished before," Gusick said of the team's second place conference finish.
"One of our goals was to win 80 percent of our home games," reigning ACC player of the year Lori Lindsey said. The senior midfielder finished her last game at Klockner on Friday.
"It's been the greatest experience of my life," Lindsey said. "I've had a great time and made such good friends on and off the field. It's sad [that it's over], but at the same time I'm not sad because I've done everything to the max. I feel proud of what I've accomplished here."
Midfielders Laura Gaworecki, Tammy Westinghouse, Ashley Meeker, Heather Terry, Megan Leo and Lindsey Grubbs, as well as goalkeeper Ashley Mowery, round out Virginia's seniors.
Virginia will travel to Winston-Salem, N.C., for the ACC tournament Nov. 8 to 11.
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