The AU men’s soccer team concluded its non-conference schedule with a loss to the University of Virginia 2-0. The Cavaliers scored once in the first half and once in the second to defeat the Eagles in Charlottesville, Va. Oct. 25.
With the loss, AU (6-10-1, 4-1 PL) finished its tough out-of-league schedule with a mark of 2-9-1.
The Cavaliers (10-5-1, 3-2-1 ACC) scored their first goal in the 26th minute when Calvin Rezende directed a shot into the lower left corner of the net for the first score of his college career.
AU attempted three shots in the first half, but none of them were on goal and the half ended with Virginia holding a 1-0 advantage.
Brian Ownby would then provide the insurance goal for the Cavaliers in the 67th minute, as the senior headed in a lofted ball from teammate Chris Somerville to put Virginia in front 2-0.
Following the Cavaliers’ second goal, the Eagles would register their only two shots on net for the night. AU’s Michael Roberts and Marco Dej tallied shots on goal in the 69th and 71st minute, respectively, but Virginia goalkeeper Spencer LaCivita saved both.
The Eagles held a 10-9 advantage on shots for the game, but only two of AU’s attempts were on goal while four were on goal for the Cavaliers. Virginia held a 6-3 edge in corner kicks.
Matt Makowski returned in net for the Eagles and made both of his two saves in the first half. This was Makowski’s first start since playing the first half in a 3-0 AU victory over the Army Black Knights Oct. 8.
The Patriot League-leading Eagles will now turn their attention back to league play, with the conference tournament’s No. 1 seed at stake over the final two games. The Eagles will take on the second-place Lehigh Mountain Hawks Oct. 29, before concluding their regular season Nov. 5 at the College of the Holy Cross.
ttomea@theeagleonline.com
