The Virginia women's soccer team just couldn't get anything going offensively in yesterday's finale of the Virginia Soccer Classic at Klockner Stadium. The Cavaliers' lack of production, along with a strong performance from Auburn, gave the unranked Tigers the 1-0 upset over No. 6 Virginia.
Auburn (4-0) applied heavy pressure to Virginia (2-1) throughout the game, which set the Cavaliers back on their heels.
"There were several keys to our victory," Auburn coach Karen Richter said. "Our forward pressure was great and our defense as a whole was terrific."
"I think they disrupted us," Virginia coach Steve Swanson said. "We need to do a better job of handling that type of pressure and playing our game."
The aggressive Tiger defense limited Virginia to just 10 shots.
"You have to give credit to Auburn," Swanson said. "Their backs did a great job. They were well-organized."
Tiger goalkeeper Megan Rivera, a freshman, saved all 10 of Virginia's shots on goal to keep the Cavaliers scoreless for the day.
"Our goalkeeping was outstanding, especially with a freshman in that situation," Richter said.
Overall the Cavaliers didn't seem like themselves yesterday. On top of Auburn providing unexpected vigor, the Cavaliers couldn't seem to get the ball to go the way they wanted.
"We were taking too many touches, looking for the perfect pass instead of playing what was on," Worden said. "We were trying to be too perfect instead of getting the job done."
"I thought we didn't compete as hard as we needed to," Swanson said. "If you were to ask if we were dangerous today, I'd have to say no. I just don't think we created enough chances."
After their Friday afternoon victory over West Virginia, 2-1, the Cavaliers' loss gave them the runner-up spot in the Virginia Soccer Classic. With its victory over Virginia and a 2-1 win over St. Louis on Friday, Auburn won the annual tournament held at Klockner Stadium.
"It's by far the best performance we've ever had," Richter said. "In the history of the program it's the biggest victory we've ever had. The reason it was so big is because Virginia is an incredible team with a rich soccer tradition."
"It was one of our goals to win this tournament," Worden said. "In Friday night's game West Virginia gave us some more space and we could play around with it and show what we could do. [Against Auburn] we couldn't seem to put it all together."
Against the Mountaineers, Virginia senior center midfielder Lori Lindsey scored her third goal of the season and assisted Alyssa Benitez's game-winning goal. Lindsey, along with midfielders Worden and Laura Gaworecki, were named to the Virginia Soccer Classic All-Tournament team.
The Cavaliers return to action on Saturday against William & Mary at Klockner.
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