Virginia falls short against Virginia Tech

The laws of probability would likely be rendered moot if applied to the last three Virginia-Virginia Tech women’s soccer games. UVa has outshot its in-state rival by a staggering 60-18 margin, but has managed to score only two goals and lose all three games.
The latest head-scratcher came Wednesday night at Klockner Stadium. Virginia Tech, with the help of a goal by Julian Johnson in the 76th minute, defeated Virginia, 2-1.
“I thought we had the better of the play throughout the game and only had one goal to show for it,” said a mystified Virginia coach Steve Swanson. “I feel for our team a little bit. I thought we played well and worked really hard and maybe deserved more than we got.
“We’re going to have to dig down deep. We play in a conference where nobody is going to feel sorry for you. We have to fight and battle.”
As Hokie players celebrated loudly on the field with their fans afterward, Virginia players looked completely dejected during their post-game stretching routine.
“It’s really disappointing since this has happened twice now in three games,” said UVa goalie Chantel Jones, alluding to the team’s loss to N.C. State last Thursday. “In both games we played, we were the better team. Everyone can see it in the stands. The coaches know it. It’s just who can finish.
“We just have to finish our chances.”
Virginia Tech (9-2-0, 3-0-0) only had eight shots on the game, including just two in the first half, one of which found the back of the net.
In the 39th minute, Hokie senior Robin Chidester charged upfield by her lonesome against a number of Cavalier defenders on a counter. Unabated, Chidester blasted a shot from about 15 yards out that beat a diving Chantel Jones to her left.
“In that situation, [we] just have to foul her early — give her a free kick,” said Jones, who had five saves on the night. “That’s fine. I’ll take that, instead of a breakaway.”
Virginia’s best chance to score in the half came in the 13th minute when it was awarded a penalty kick. However, Lauren Alwine’s shot was easily stopped by goalie Kristin Carden, who barely had to move.
Virginia Tech scored what turned out to be the decisive goal when Johnson chipped a ball over Jones’ head off a through ball to make it 2-0. The tally, like the first, came after Virginia
(6-3-2, 1-2-0) had dominated play at the other end of the field, pelting Carden.
“Some of them are unlucky,” said Jones, when asked about the team’s inability to finish plays. “They get blocked or just don’t reach the goalkeeper. But it’s also being smart — not taking a 40-yard shoot on a 6-foot tall keeper.
“We have to think more when we get in the box and relax. I think we get a little too jittery and want to put it in too quick. That’s not going to happen — not in the ACC. Every keeper is quality. It’s not going to go through their hands or anything like that.”
Virginia didn’t go down without a fight. In the 83rd minute, the Cavaliers were finally able to break through when Alwine was able to punch one past Carden amidst some mayhem in front of the net.
With just over a minute to play, Alwine had a great chance at the equalizer. The sophomore had a clear shot at the net after losing a Tech defender, but fired a right-footed shot well over the net.
Swanson and Virginia will have plenty of time to ponder the loss. They don’t play again until hosting No. 24 Maryland on Oct. 8.
“You really make your own way here,” Swanson said. “We’ve got ourselves in enough positions to get the game and be in the driver’s seat and put them on their heals, but just haven’t taken advantage of those chances when we’ve got them.”
Added Jones: “We just have to keep going and stay true to Virginia soccer — real soccer, as opposed to kickball — and it will work out in the end.”