Cavs down in-state rival Rams

Last September, Chris Agorsor’s promising freshman year went up in smoke after he suffered a season-ending knee injury against Central Connecticut State.

On Tuesday night at Klockner Stadium, roughly a year later, Agorsor announced his return — in a big way.

Agorsor’s goal with just under a minute remaining in the second overtime gave No. 11 Virginia a much-needed 1-0 double-overtime win over VCU.

“That’s one of the best teams we’ve played all year, I’ll be honest with you,” said Virginia coach George Gelnovatch, whose squad plays at No. 2 North Carolina on Friday night. “That wasn’t a Tuesday night where we were flat … that was a very good team.

“Our second half and both our overtimes were absolutely fantastic. I can’t be more proud of our guys. We were methodical. We were disciplined. I told the guys going into overtime that it was like a boxing match — we had them on the ropes. It was just a matter of time.”

Agorsor’s game-winner came off a long throw-in by Virginia sophomore Greg Monaco that made it all the way into the VCU box.

“The ball just came to me and I was able to turn and get a shot off,” Agorsor explained. “Luckily, it went in.”

Given the arduous rehabiliatation process he went through from a torn ACL, Agorsor said the goal — his first of the season — felt particularly sweet.

“Coach put it on me. He said, ‘It’s about time to get a goal. You’re finally back,’” Agorsor said.

“That’s what I do. I’m a forward. I score goals. That’s probably my main contribution to the team. It’s a nice feeling to get off the mark. Hopefully there’s more to come.”

Gelnovatch said Agorsor had been “working his backside off” throughout the overtimes.

“He was trying to take the team on his shoulders the last couple of plays,” Gelnovatch said. “I’m so happy for him.”

Virginia (6-2-0) nearly won the game at the end of regulation when midfielder Jonathan Villanueva narrowly missed. With under five seconds to play, the senior blasted a shot from way out — about 35 yards — that had VCU goalie Gabriel Rodriguez beaten but grazed over the top of the crossbar.

A frustrated Villanueva buried his head in his hands as time expired.

In overtime, T.J. Cyrus had a great chance to win it. About halfway through the second session, the junior got inside the Rams’ box and knifed a left-footed grounder that appeared headed for the far right corner of the net until Rodriguez made a diving save.

VCU (3-3-1) was coming off a pair of less-than-impressive performances — a loss to George Mason and a tie to Longwood, both at home.