The Virginia women's soccer team looks to continue its two-game winning streak tonight against Liberty at Klöckner Stadium.
Following two straight wins against ranked opponents, the No. 4 Cavaliers (4-1-1) will take on the unranked Liberty Flames (0-4). The Flames were picked as the preseason favorites to win the Big South, though the team currently sits in last place in its conference.
To its credit, Liberty has had a very difficult schedule to start off the season, including games against UC Irvine and No. 20 Clemson. Though winless, Virginia coach Steve Swanson says the Liberty club is nothing to scoff at.
"They always have a lot of energy and this is a statement game for them," Swanson said. "This is a game that brings out a lot of energy and emotion. When they come down, they come to play."
Liberty has not scored a goal in any of the four games it has played this season. The lack of scoring is not for lack of effort, however, as Liberty has a very aggressive offense led by senior Rachel Hetrick and junior Amy Oberlin.
The Liberty offense should have its hands full with the Virginia defense. The Cavaliers will look to make it extremely difficult for the Flames to get that first goal of the season. The Virginia defense, helped by strong contributions from senior Becky Sauerbrunn and redshirt freshman Chantel Jones, has not allowed a goal in three games.
The Cavalier offense has also been playing very well of late, scoring four times in each of its last two games.Contributions to the offense have been well-rounded, with six players scoring goals in the last two games.
Especially important to the Cavaliers' success is senior midfielder/forward Shannon Foley, who was responsible for three goals in the two games and who has scored five goals this season. Foley's recent contributions to the Virginia team recently earned her both ACC Player of the Week and Soccer America Player of the Week recognitions.
If history is any indication, the upcoming game against Liberty is one of the lighter spots in Virginia's tough schedule this season. Going back to 2001, the Cavaliers have played the Flames six times, and the record between the two clubs stands at 6-0 in favor of the Cavaliers, including two playoff victories.
Nonetheless, the women are taking the upcoming contest very seriously.
"We always go into every game thinking it's our biggest game," Sauerbrunn said. "I know that Liberty is a very physical team and they're going to play us tough. I don't think we're overlooking them at all."
After taking on Liberty Friday night, the Cavaliers will play William & Mary Sunday afternoon. The two contests mark the final games before Virginia begins its ACC schedule against Duke.
"I know how important every game is," Swanson said. "I really feel that our players know how important this game is. We've had some very big games with Liberty in the past and we respect them. In our sport, anything can happen"
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