Women's Soccer: WVU Upsets No. 10 Virginia
September 13, 2002 10:08 PM | General
September 13, 2002
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. - The West Virginia University women's soccer team made a major statement Friday night by upsetting No. 10-ranked Virginia in opening play at the Virginia Soccer Classic.
Coach Nikki Izzo-Brown's Mountaineers got first-half goals from Rachel Kruze and Chrissie Abbott and withstood a second half charge from the Cavaliers to run their record to 4-1. This win, coupled with a victory against James Madison Sunday in Morgantown, could propel the Mountaineers into the Top 25 in all three major polls. West Virginia is ranked in both the Soccer Buzz (19th) and Soccer America (22nd) polls, but did not crack the rankings in this week's NSCAA Top 25.
The Mountaineers' first goal by Kruze was assisted by Lisa Stoia at the 16th minute mark. Twenty four minutes later at the 40th minute, Chrissie Abbott scored on a penalty kick to give WVU a 2-0 advantage.
In the second half, the Cavaliers (1-2-1) mounted a comeback and cut the lead to 2-1 when Alyssa Benitez scored her third goal of the season on assists from Lindsay and Sarah Lane.
However, that was as close as the Cavaliers would get as West Virginia played strong defense the last 20 minutes to secure the win.
"I think in tough games like these, getting the first goal is critical," said Virginia Coach Steve Swanson. "When West Virginia got up 2-0, it gave them a lot of momentum and we had to change our game plan. Give them credit, they were the better team tonight."
Overall, Virginia outshot West Virginia 12-8 in the contest. Melissa Haire made five saves to help preserve the Mountaineer win. It was West Virginia's first-ever win against Virginia and Izzo-Brown's 75th career victory.
"This is a game we needed to win to give the girls the confidence to go at any team and know they can be successful," said Izzo-Brown. "They played hard for 90 minutes and deserved the win."
The Mountaineers return to action Sunday to take on James Madison at the Mountaineer Soccer Complex at 2 p.m. Sunday's match is Super Soccer Sunday. Festivities begin at Noon on the soccer practice fields and include inflatable games, prizes and autograph sessions. Admission to the the pregame activities is free to everyone. Admission to the game is also free for kids.
West Virginia 2, Virginia 1
Scoring: WVU- Kruze 15:29 (Stoia); WVU- Abbott; UVA Benitez 69:15 (Gusick, Lane)
Shots: UVA 12; WVU 8
Corners: UVA 5; WVU 1
Fouls: WVU 9; UVA 5
Goalkeeping: WVU- Melissa Haire 5 saves, 1GA 90:00; UVA- Anne Abernathy 0 saves 2GA 90:00
