The Virginia men's soccer team defeated George Washington 2-1 in overtime last night, earning coach George Gelnovatch his 200th career win in his 14th season.
"I'm more happy we won this game this season to be honest," Gelnovatch said. "Winning is hard business and just getting this win tonight is a reminder of just how hard winning is. It's a tribute to the program, the players I've coached over the years."
Senior midfielder Neil Barlow, who was named ACC Player of the Week, delivered the golden goal in the 92nd minute to put the game away for the No. 11 Cavaliers and bolster their record to 5-1.
Virginia was able to penetrate the net early when sophomore forward Chris Agorsor was fouled in the penalty box. Sophomore midfielder Tony Tchani scored his third goal of the season on the penalty kick in the sixth minute.
The Cavaliers maintained their 1-0 halftime lead until the 79th minute, when George Washington sophomore forward Yoni Berhanu's free kick found sophomore defender Mike Burke for a header into the back of the net, tying the game.
Neither team could find the net in the final 11 minutes of regulation, sending the game into overtime.
"I think a second goal would have put the game away and that just didn't come," Gelnovatch said. "I feel like we're creating enough chances to get that second goal and win games."
Although the Cavaliers had not scored in the previous 84 minutes of play, they quickly regathered in overtime to break the tie. Agorsor sent the ball into the box to Barlow, who drilled it into the far post for his third goal of the season. The play registered Agorsor's first career assist.
"After they scored, we just tried to stay focused and play our soccer," junior defender Mike Volk said. "We were patient and it paid off."
Virginia out-shot George Washington 15-6 while holding a 7-4 corner kick advantage. By controlling the tempo and maintaining ball control early, the Cavaliers successfully contained the Colonial attack.
"The depth of our team is great," Barlow said. "A lot of freshman who were big for us last year will be even bigger for us this year with another year under their belt. Everyone's just working for each other; we're just a team. We're just working off the ball we got."
The Cavaliers continue their three-game homestand against Clemson Saturday at 7 p.m. at Kl
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