In the Round of 16 of the NCAA Men's Soccer Championships, Diego Restrepo and the Virginia Cavaliers did the only thing they know how to do this year -- they posted a shutout. With the help of Ari Dimas, who scored the game winner in the 46th minute, the 'Hoos advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAAs, 1-0 over Portland.
Restrepo has now posted 14 shutouts this season and 10th in a row. His scoreless streak is extended to 1,017 minutes and 34 seconds. The NCAA record is held by Michigan State goalkeeper Avery Steinlage, from Oct. 15, 2008 to Sept. 21, 2009, and is 1,318 minutes and 26 seconds.
Dimas's goal marks the first of his season and of his career. Tony Tchani looked to the right sideline for Shawn Barry, who crossed the ball to Dimas. Dimas one-timed it on goal from 8 yards out and the ball edged its way into the goal.
"Shawn Barry played a great ball," Dimas said. "I was making a run to the far post and I didn't have much of an angle so I was just trying to direct it onto the frame. The keeper was sliding to his right and his momentum carried him and I got the ball to the left. It was a big boost coming into the second half and definitely pumped us up."
Virginia was outshot by Portland 12-16, though UVA had 7 shots on goal compared to the Pilots' 6.
"We grinded it out in the last 20 minutes," Virginia head coach George Gelnovatch said. "In terms of grinding it out and creating chances the result and the performance were very good."
Virginia is set to face Maryland on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7:00 p.m. in Charlottesville.