Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW): Despite matching up well, and keeping pace with their opponents for the entirety of the match, one mistake cost the Hoos dearly on Friday at Klöckner stadium, beginning their ACC campaign with a loss against the Duke Blue Devils, 1-0.

 The Devils began the attack fiercely and quickly, troubling Joey Batrouni in goal for the Hoos.  However, the veteran keeper held firm despite no support from the attack.  Batrouni faced five shots on goal in the first half and saved one.  Keeper and backline were communicating well, providing every opportunity they could to set up a promising chance at the other end.  Duke keeper Wessel Speel had little to do in the first half, as the Virginia offense failed to find its rhythm.  Luckily for the home side, neither team scored as the first half came to an end.  

The Hoos took the field after the interval looking to switch up their tactics and swing momentum in their favor.  Sadly, a calamity struck early for UVA.  Duke attacker Adam Luckhurst sent a cross into the UVA penalty area in the 49th minute, and the ball deflected unpredictably off defender Nick Dang, leaving Batrouni helpless to parry it away.  When the dust cleared, the ball sat in the back of the Virginia net.  It would turn out to be the only goal of the game, despite the valiant attempts of the Wahoo attackers to tie the match at one and salvage a point.  The Hoos move to 2-2-1 on the year, while the Devils now hold a record of 3-1-1.   

Next up will be another ACC clash at Wake Forest on Friday, September 13th.  Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM on ACCNX.