The Shadow
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (VR) — Virginia closed out the regular season Friday night with a scoreless draw against No. 18 Pittsburgh at Klöckner Stadium.
The Cavaliers (7-6-3, 3-3-2 ACC) controlled much of the match, outshooting the Panthers (9-4-3, 4-2-2 ACC) 18-10 but were unable to find the back of the net.
Virginia held a 7-3 advantage in shots during the opening half. Sami Oulouheu had one of the Cavaliers’ best scoring opportunities following a pass from Marco Dos Santos inside the penalty area, but his attempt was stopped.
The Cavaliers continued to apply pressure in the second half, outshooting Pitt 11-7. Brendan Lambe and Oulouheu created several opportunities during the final 15 minutes, but Virginia could not convert.
Goalkeeper Caleb Tunks finished with four saves, including a diving stop in the 60th minute and another key save in the closing minutes. The performance marked Virginia’s fifth shutout of the season.
Oulouheu led all players with six shots, including two on goal. Virginia finished with five shots on target.
“We knew this was going to be a tough game against a difficult opponent, and that if there was a winner it was going to be a one-goal game,” Virginia head coach George Gelnovatch said. “I do think we had the better of the chances, and we just needed to get more out of some of those counters where we are dribbling in the box and get some more out of those cutbacks.”
Virginia was held scoreless for just the second time this season. The Cavaliers are now 1-1-2 against nationally ranked opponents and hold an 11-5-3 all-time record against Pitt.
“We didn’t get the result that we wanted tonight. We wanted to win this game, but overall, we had a solid performance,” Virginia’s Sebastian Pop said. “We just missed the goal, and I think if we can build on this, the next game we are going to be better.”
Virginia now turns its attention to the ACC Men’s Soccer Championship.
