CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - No. 5 nationally ranked Virginia defeated Nevada soccer 5-0 Thursday night at Klöckner Stadium.
Goalkeeper Emily McCue, who competed in her first match since Sept. 19, 2021 after missing last season with injury, recorded a career-high 11 saves. McCue recorded the most saves of any Nevada goalkeeper in program history against a nationally ranked team.
Facing its highest ranked opponent in program history, Nevada did not back down to the Cavaliers and battled through Virginia's attack. Virginia drew three corner kick opportunities in the first 15 minutes, but Nevada stood toe-to-toe with the 2022 NCAA Quarterfinalists and prevented the Cavaliers' shots from reaching the back of the net.
Virginia's first three shots on goal all resulted in saves for McCue and Nevada's defense continued to hold the Cavaliers scoreless. The Cavaliers, however, drew a foul inside the penalty area that allowed Virginia to take a penalty kick.
After Virginia's Allie Ross converted the penalty kick for the first goal of the night, the Cavaliers converted off a corner kick. Ross scored her second goal that allowed Virginia to take a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Virginia continued its offensive attack in the second half, opening with three shots and two shots on goal in the first three minutes of the second half. McCue was unfazed and collected a pair of saves to keep the deficit within two.
Meredith McDermott notched her first goal of the match off the rebound in the 52nd minute to put Virginia ahead 3-0. McDermott notched her second goal 18 minutes later that gave Virginia its fourth score. Virginia stretched its lead 5-0 with 15 minutes to play.
The Pack looked to get on the board by firing a pair of shots late in the second half, but Virginia's defense allowed the Cavaliers to win in a shutout.
Nevada travels to Richmond, Virginia, to take on the University of Richmond at 10 a.m. Sunday.
Notes
- Vanessa Valentine made her Nevada head coaching debut on Thursday.
- No. 5 Virginia is the highest ranked team Nevada has played in program history.
- Goalkeeper Emily McCue recorded 11 saves, the most of any Nevada goalkeeper in program history against a nationally ranked team. McCue, who played her first match since Sept. 19, 2021 after battling injury last season, obtained a career-high for saves.
- Sydnie Fong and Ally Little along with freshman Olivia Loomis made their first career starts on Thursday.
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