Wahoo Wire

Julia Roberts Courtesy of VirginiaSports.com

One team’s undefeated season was bound to end as the Cavaliers came into  the game with a 4-0-0 season record and the Arizona State Sundevils one of 2-0-0.  However, it was the winning streak of the Virginia women’s soccer team that remained unblemished after the 3-0 defeat of the Sundevils on Friday, September 2.

Contrary to last week’s last minute, nail biter of a win over St. John’s, it took only twelve minutes and 23 seconds for Julia Roberts to score not once, but twice. Thus, the Cavaliers started with a 2-0 lead.

The second half started out slow until Lauren Alwine sprinted past the right side of the net just in time to strike an assist to Caroline Miller, positioned perfectly in front of the goal. This third goal happened not too long after junior Kate Norbo left the game with an injury.

“We did pretty well: we fought well, we got balls in from behind, we kept our cool when they got chippy, we had some great pattern play, some good finishes and good opportunities,” Roberts said about the game.

Lauren Alwine had a stellar night as she assisted all three goals. To her surprise, someone informed her after the game that she attained the Virginia record for most assists.

“I couldn’t have done it without my team,” said Alwine. “But, it is something special.”

Playing a team from the Pac 12, who has a different style of playing, was a good way to truly see the diverse talents of the UVA squad. Consistency and focus helped the Cavaliers continue to control their game, even against an extremely physical team such as Arizona State.

“They were high pressuring, so we just had to focus on getting the ball down, keeping possession, playing our own game… sometimes we have trouble with that but that’s what we need to do to win the game,” said Alwine.

By continuing their undefeated season, it is evident that the Cavaliers are in a very strong position to do well. Each opponent has brought a different style of play in the first five games, so the Cavaliers emerging unscathed leaves reason for optimism.

“That was definitely the best competition since the West Virginia game,” said Roberts. “It was a good test to see if we were going to be able to battle physically and prepare us for games ahead.”

Games ahead include this Sunday’s upcoming game against Drexel. If things go the same way as they’ve been going, a 6^th straight win of the season could be in their future.