The Virginia women's soccer team is looking to add another mark to its win column tonight against Duke (6-7-1, 1-2-1 ACC) at Klöckner Stadium at 7. The Cavaliers (7-5-2, 0-3 ACC) hope to rebound from a disappointing 2-1 loss to No. 2 UNC this past Saturday in Chapel Hill.
Third-year Coach Steve Swanson's outlook is still very positive, emphasizing his faith that the Cavaliers can play with any team in the ACC.
UNC "was a disappointing result but the effort was there and we still have a lot left to play for, starting with Duke before the ACC tourney," Swanson said.
Senior defender Kelly Worden said she shares the same feelings about the team as Swanson does.
"I think we will come out harder than ever. These next few games are really for us and this past weekend just showed us that we can play with any team," Worden said.
This year, the Cavaliers have seen several close games at home against the likes of West Virginia, Temple and Clemson. Tonight's game against Duke may be no different.
Last season, the Cavaliers faced Duke on the road in two very close 2-1 overtime wins. If the Cavaliers win tonight, it will be their first ACC win of the season.
"Every team is pretty much on an equal playing field these days, so it comes down to who is going to gut it out more, lay it all on the line, and put the ball in the back of the net at the end of the day," Worden said.
Swanson said there is no single key to beating Duke, but he knows his team will come out and play hard for the entire 90 minutes.
"We need great goal-keeping," Swanson said, noting the outstanding performance junior goalkeeper Anne Abernathy gave last Saturday.
Abernathy had seven saves during the game and has been playing extremely well in the net for the Cavaliers over the course of the season. Swanson said he recognizes it's hard for a keeper to stay focused in the net when she is not taking on shots constantly.
"Anne has improved a lot and has made big strides for us," Swanson said.
He also acknowledged the strong performances of freshman midfielder Sarah Huffman and sophomore defender Jamie Fabrizio in the loss.
The Cavaliers realize the Duke game is pivotal because it pits them against an ACC rival, but they also know they shouldn't overlook the Blue Devils and expect an easy victory.
Worden, the senior captain, said she knows this game is just as important as the next.
"If you pay too much attention to rankings and records, you lose sight of the game and we're just going to take it game by game," she said.
Duke also comes off a 2-1 loss this past Saturday, this one at the hands of No. 12 Charlotte. Virginia has a slight advantage in the very close overall series (7-6-5) with the Blue Devils, meaning tonight's game could prove to be another great matchup.
Swanson agrees with Worden's views about the game's outcome.
"At the end of the day when the whistle blows, I feel our team will be the one that has contributed the most," he said.
If Swanson's feelings prove to be correct, the Cavs may triumph tonight.
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