Cavs draw with Terps

In the aftermath of a home loss to Virginia Tech eight days ago in which his team outshot the Hokies by a large margin and, for the most part, dominated play, Virginia coach Steve Swanson looked mystified. Some two hours after the game, Swanson could be seen sitting with his assistants in front of a monitor on the field, dissecting video of the just-completed horror show.

On a chilly Thursday night at Klockner Stadium, UVa senior Jess Rostedt saved Swanson from another sleepless night.

Rostedt’s goal with just one second remaining in regulation saved Virginia from its second straight ACC defeat as UVa and Maryland played to a 2-2 tie.

“For as disappointing as the last few games were for us — in terms of us controlling games and not coming out with the result — to be down like we were twice and find a way to scrape our way back into it…that’s the thing I’m most pleased with,” Swanson said. “I thought the team really battled hard tonight.”

After a goal by Maryland’s Caitlin McDowell in the 79th minute, the Cavaliers seemed well on their way to a loss. With less than 15 seconds to go and the ball on UVa’s end of the field, the teams almost appeared ready to come off their respective benches and shake hands.

But then, freshman Caroline Miller somehow was able to nudge a pass ahead to a streaking Rostedt, who exploded past three Maryland defenders and knifed a left-footed shoot past sprawling Terrapin goalie Mary Casey.

“It was crazy,” Rostedt said. “All I wanted to do was get into the box in case [Miller] got a shot off, but the ball just jumbled around and came right to me.

“I heard the [PA announcer] say three [seconds] and I said, ‘O.K., just take one more touch.’ Then I heard him say, ‘Two [seconds].’ After I shot it, I heard, ‘One.’

“Right when I hit it, I knew that it was going to go in. I saw it go in, and it was just awesome…I got the chills.”

The tie was huge for Virginia (6-3-3, 1-2-1 ACC), which was coming off the loss to Tech and facing four consecutive road games beginning Sunday at Boston College.

The game was a topsy-turvy one, with a number of momentum swings.

With the contest scoreless early in the second half, Virginia nearly took the lead. Lauren Alwine played a beautiful ball into the box that Miller headed off the post. Miller played it back out to a wide-open Colleen Flanagan, who fired a shot over the net.

Five minutes later, Maryland (9-2-1, 1-2-1) was able to capitalize on its chance after Virginia couldn’t clear a loose ball following a Terrapin shot. Mallory Baker scored for a 1-0 Terps’ lead.

Maryland seemed to be in control. However, just over two minutes later, a crossing attempt by Emily Carrollo meant for Caitlin Miskel in front of the net wound up on the foot of Miller, who blasted a shot past Casey to tie the game.

In the two overtimes, neither team could get many quality chances.

“This is good,” Rostedt said. “We just need to go into Boston and just get a win.

“It’s key that we get a win there.”

Added Swanson: “To get a point from this game gives us momentum as we go forward.”