The No. 11 Virginia women’s soccer team took care of business this past Sunday by defeating Louisville by a score of 2-1 to advance to the semifinals of the ACC Tournament. Despite an early goal by the Cardinals (12-6), the Cavaliers (15-3) rebounded and showed tremendous resolve to come from behind and finish the match on top.
"It was a great result for us," Virginia Coach Steve Swanson said. "The work rate was good and the effort was there. The big thing for us was to try to link up the team and play some soccer and advance the ball. I don't think we were as patient as we needed to be in the first half, but once we started to establish a rhythm we penetrated more and got good looks.”
Virginia got off to a slow start and was punished for it by an early header from Louisville freshman midfielder Sarah Hernandez in the 10th minute to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. Immediately energized and focused, the Cavaliers tied the game up four minutes later. Virginia freshman forward Rebecca Jarrett made a quick move on the defender and centered it in the box, leading to a trap and quick shot by freshman forward Alexa Spaanstra.
The contest remained 1-1 until the 73rd minute when junior forward Meghan McCool hit the game-winning shot — her second of the season against Louisville. After repeated attacks from the midfield, Spaanstra fielded possession on the right flank and served the ball to McCool at the near post, where her one-touch shot found the back of the net.
With the win, the Cavaliers will take on No. 7 seed Florida State Friday at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.
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