The women's soccer team (6-5-3) were not as fortunate as the men's this weekend after No. 2 North Carolina broke the tie with an 89th minute penalty kick which gave Carolina the 2-1 victory at Fetzer Field. This marks UVA's fifth one-goal loss of the season. Five one-goal losses and 3 ties? This season could have had a VERY different story behind it!
There was no action in the first half, and the Tar Heels struck first int he 51st minute off a corner kick. But this wouldn't last long. UVA responded 11 minutes later when Sinead Farrelly intercepted a clearance at the top of the box and fired a low shot just inside the near post for her fifth goal of the year. This wouldn't be enough, though, when UNC got a free penalty kick off a handball.
"Obviously this is a tough way to lose a game," said head coach Steve Swanson. "I thought we did what we needed to do to get a result. We gave up the fewest scoring chances against North Carolina that I can remember in all the times we have played them. Their goalie made a couple of big saves when the game was 1-1 in the second half to keep us from taking the lead."
Overall, North Carolina outshot Virginia 12-6 and had a 7-3 corner kick advantage.
"I am proud of the team and how we continue to hang in there and fight," said Swanson. "Every game we have to deal with something else, a new way to end up on the wrong side of the scoreline. We just need to start making the plays to change that. Of course we are feeling some urgency, but I am confident that we can get it turned around. These next four games are almost like the postseason for us, but I am happy with how we have been playing and it is just a matter of time before a ball or two bounces our way."
The Hoos visit Duke this Thursday.
Much credit goes to VirginiaSports.com for covering this game.