Virginia women’s soccer started their 2026 campaign on a good note Wednesday night at Klöckner Stadium against Northwestern. The Cavaliers (1-0-0, 0-0-0 ACC) took down the Wildcats (0-0-1, 0-0-0 Big Ten) handedly by a 3-1 margin.
The home team proved early that it was both physically and technically dominant. From the moment the referee blew the whistle to begin play, Virginia was on the front foot — controlling possession and the tempo of play and fighting hard on all levels to win the ball. In the middle of the park, sophomore midfielder Addison Halpern pulled all the strings, doing exceptionally well to avoid pressure and switch the play when needed.
When the Cavaliers had opportunities to attack on the wings, they attacked relentlessly. Great deliveries came from both sides of the pitch into the Northwestern box, putting duress on the Wildcats’ backline and not allowing them to regroup and counter.
The first half was a performance to remember for Virginia, something Coach Steve Swanson was impressed with.
“I thought the first half was indicative of how we can play and the potential of the team,” Swanson said.
The Cavaliers didn’t wait long to etch themselves onto the scoresheet. Just seven minutes in, a recycled corner kick was launched into the middle of the box. After junior forward Gio Canali got a touch to the ball to redirect it past the first defender, some tricky bounces landed the ball at Halpern’s feet, who dispatched the chance coolly.
Virginia was far from done though, and extended its lead soon after when Canali received a pass on the right side of the box and proceeded to beat four defenders by herself, smashing the ball into the top left corner from a tight angle. Canali’s feet dazzled as she skillfully dribbled through the Northwestern defense, and the fans at Klöckner Stadium erupted as the ball hit the back of the net.
Canali, in her first season for the Cavaliers after transferring from Miami, had a similar reaction to spectators when she scored.
“I was just like, keep going, keep going, keep going,” Canali said. “When I scored, I couldn't believe it.”
With the departures of Maggie Cagle and Lia Godfrey — most of Virginia’s 2025 goalscoring — there was a bit of a void to be filled this season. It seems as though Canali is up to the challenge.
“I dreamed about this moment,” Canali said. “Klöckner is a really special place, and honestly, all this was able to happen because of my teammates, the staff believing in me, and then … everyone just pushing each other every day.”
Just before halftime, the Cavaliers managed to add a third when a great cross from senior forward Allie Ross found the head of senior forward Aniyah Collier. Her header sailed perfectly into the top left corner, leaving no chance for Northwestern’s senior goalkeeper CJ Roy. As the whistle blew at the break, Virginia had a lot to be proud of.
The Wildcats came into the second half with better energy and intent, and were close to getting on the board in the 55th minute when junior forward Kennedy Roesch’s attempt from close range fizzed over the crossbar. The shot served as a warning to the Cavaliers that Northwestern would fight for every inch during the last 45 minutes of play.
Despite losing some control of the game, Virginia still fought hard out of possession. Collier’s pressing caused problems for the Wildcats, and she almost found the net for a second time after hitting the post — a move started after Collier intercepted a pass from a Northwestern defender.
With time winding down, the Wildcats were able to deny the Cavaliers’ senior goalkeeper Victoria Safradin a clean sheet when sophomore defender Gabby Anderson’s cross was headed home by senior midfielder Holland Carey.
The goal in the final moments represented a sour ending to what was an otherwise impressive performance by Virginia. Although it is early, the energy and grit shown by the Cavaliers was extremely positive, something that Swanson emphasized postgame.
“I saw … much, some improvement throughout the team,” Swanson said. “And I think at this time of year, that's the thing we're looking for the most.”
Virginia is back in action Sunday when it takes on Liberty. Kickoff at Klöckner Stadium is set for 5 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on ACCNX.
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