MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In a match plagued by rain, the West Virginia University women's soccer team tallied three unanswered goals in the final 11 minutes to defeat Virginia, 4-3, this afternoon at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.
The teams played three, 30-minute periods today. The Mountaineers trailed 2-1 after the first two periods, and UVA extended its lead to 3-1 just three minutes into the third period. WVU erased the deficit and stole the win in the match's final minutes, keyed by three points (1 G, 1 A) from freshman forward Issy Sibley and a pair of assists from sophomore midfielder Stefany Ferrer-vanGinkel.
"I'm really proud of how the girls were able to get into good spots and recognize some opportunities early," Mountaineer coach Nikki Izzo-Brown said. "They stayed in a good shape in the attack and found the back of the net. We know that opponents like Virginia aren't easy to score four goals against, so I'm proud of the way we finished the game. We still have a lot of work to do – as demonstrated by the three goals allowed - but this was a great opportunity for us to see some things."
The Mountaineers grabbed the lead first, as a ball from Ferrer-vanGinkel in the 14th minute found the toes of transfer Jessica Lisi inside the box. With the Cavalier goalkeeper out of place, Lisi swiftly directed her low shot toward the far-left corner for the 1-0 advantage.
UVA answered with back-to-back goals in a two-minute span. The first, in the 22nd minute, followed confusion by the Mountaineers inside the box, and a one-time shot from 14-yards out sailed toward the empty far-left post for the equalizer.
The Cavaliers took the advantage one minute later off a cross into the box. A shot from six-yards out zagged through traffic toward the far-left post to put the score at 2-1.
A scoreless second period was highlighted by a pair of saves from junior goalkeeper Rylee Foster, as well as a long shot from newcomer Juliana Lynch that was stopped at the line.
After allowing a goal three minutes into the third period, WVU cut into UVA's lead in the 19th minute, as Ferrer-vanGinkel sent a cross to newcomer Enzi Broussard at the left post, and her shot from the inside of her foot snuck behind the Cavalier goalkeeper.
Just one minute later, Ferrer-vanGinkel again had the ball at her feet. Her shot inside the box was blocked, but Sibley's quick reaction proved fruitful, as she jumped on the rebound and buried her chance to the right post.
WVU secured the win in the 22nd minute. After receiving a ball from Sibley inside the box, sophomore forward Lauren Segallaturned away from her defender before threading her shot through traffic and behind the goalkeeper.
UVA finished with a 14-9 edge in shots. The Mountaineers placed six shots on-goal, and Foster finished the day with four saves. The Cavaliers also earned a 4-1 edge in corner kicks.
The Mountaineers close their spring season on Saturday, April 27, with a match against Maryland at 2 p.m. at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.
