CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – UVA Women’s Soccer has kicked off the 2024 season with two wins in as many matches, securing a 2-0 victory against the Northwestern Wildcats on Sunday at Klöckner Stadium.

An early strike from Meredith McDermott found the back of the net within the first 10 minutes, giving the Cavaliers a 1-0 lead. The Wildcats grew more competitive as the first half progressed, testing the UVA defense with shots from Kelsey Kwon and Josie Aulicino. It appeared the Hoos would enter the break with a narrow one-goal lead, but a late Virginia attack disoriented the Wildcats’ defense, resulting in an own goal. The first half ended with the Cavaliers up 2-0.

In the second half, Northwestern forced Virginia keeper Victoria Safradin to make a pair of stellar saves to keep them off the scoreboard. Despite both teams being equal on shots and corners in the second half, neither could find a breakthrough, and the 2-0 scoreline held for a Wahoo victory.

UVA Women’s Soccer heads to State College later this week to face Penn State. Kickoff is Thursday at 5:30 p.m., and the match will be available on the Big Ten’s streaming service, B1G+.