The number 6 seed Virginia Men’s soccer team shut out 11th seeded NC State 1-0 in the first round of the ACC Tournament on Wednesday with a late goal from redshirt junior Pablo Aguilar.
UVA recorded its fifth straight clean sheet and extended their undefeated home play streak. Junior goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell earned his ninth shutout of the season and the 17th of his career.
While both teams battled back and forth, NC State outshot Virginia 13-8. Aguilar was able to capitalize on a loose ball in the 82nd minute to score his sixth goal of the season. This was his second consecutive game-winner after his game winning goal against Duke on Friday.
“We were a little lethargic today, I’ve got to say. But from the other standpoint, it’s November and when you win in November it’s a good thing,” said Virginia head coach Georgia Gelnovatch. “I would also worry – as a coach you worry about everything – if we were out here buzzing tonight, scoring two, three, four goals, and then trying to replicate it to get ready for the next one.”
The Cavaliers will move on to face third-seeded Louisville at 1 p.m. Sunday in the quarterfinals.
