Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Photo: UVA Athletics

AJ Smith and Nick Simmonds each helped Virginia erase a pair of one-goal deficits highlighted by an 80th-minute equalizer on a Simmonds penalty kick. The second-seeded Cavaliers battled UNCG to a 2-2 draw but were eliminated 4-3 on penalties in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship on Sunday night at Klöckner Stadium.

GOALS
5’ – UNCG: Haruna (Longo)
16’ – UVA: Smith (Dos Santos)
40’ – UNCG: Torre (Haruna)
80’ – UVA: Simmonds (Penalty)

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Spartans (12-4-6) struck first inside of five minutes as Issah Haruna got on the end of a long ball played over the Cavalier back line. He made no mistake on the finish to give UNCG an early lead. 

The Cavaliers (12-2-5) were back on level terms just after 15 minutes of play. High pressure forced a turnover in the midfield and set up an attacking opportunity. A Marco Dos Santos shot attempt deflected off the post, but AJ Smith was there to tap in the rebound for 1-1.

Despite the momentum heavily favoring Virginia, UNCG regained the lead just five minutes before the halftime break. Pablo Torre struck from just inside the 18-yard box to five the Spartans a 2-1 advantage going into the half despite Virginia holding an 11-5 shot advantage.

Virginia drew level once more when the Cavaliers were awarded a penalty kick after substitute Luke Burns drew a foul in the penalty area. Freshman Nick Simmonds stepped up to the spot and calmly delivered his 10th goal of the season to square things at 2-2 in the 80th minute.

After a pair of scoreless overtime periods, the match was decided in a penalty kick shootout. Casper Mols made a crucial save in the fourth round, but Virginia was ultimately eliminated by a margin of 4-3. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES 

  • AJ Smith scored the fourth postseason goal of his career
  • Smith has accounted for nine points (4g, 1a) in postseason play
  • Nick Simmonds recorded his 10th goal of the season to lead the team
  • Marco Dos Santos recorded his 10th assist of the season to lead the Cavaliers
  • Virginia outshot UNCG 27-11 for the game
  • The Cavaliers placed 14 shots on goal and limited UNCG to just six
  • The Cavaliers took 18 corner kicks and conceded five

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