Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW):  Soccer fans in College Park were treated to a hard-fought clash between two evenly matched teams on Labor Day between UVA and Maryland.  The first time the UVA Men’s Soccer Team took to the pitch on Ludwig Field since 2015 proved to be an end-to-end affair, with both sides having solid chances, and ultimately, nothing to separate them.  It ended with a 1-1 draw.   

Both defenses were taxed early, with Maryland holding the majority of possession. Virginia was forced to hit on the counter, and counter they did eleven minutes into the match.  Midfielder Pela sent a well-placed pass through the Maryland line toward Reese Miller, who tried to slot it into the bottom corner, but a full stretch save by Maryland keeper Laurin Mack kept the ball out.  The Terapins responded a few minutes later, with a dangerous sequence that saw three shots in four minutes.   Neither side wanted to blink, but Maryland was first to flinch.  Pela skipped past a Maryland defender in the penalty box, and was brought down by an untidy challenge, earning a penalty for UVA.  Defender Nick Dang stepped up to take it, and coolly struck the ball home, giving the Hoos the lead.  Unfortunately, they held the lead for less than 10 minutes, as just before halftime, Leon Koehl earned a penalty at the other end and beat Joey Batrouni to tie the game for Maryland.   

The second half would prove just as dynamic but much less fruitful for both sides, as some good chances from Hayes Wood for UVA, and Luca Costabile for Maryland led to no advantage for either squad.  As the match ended, both goalkeepers left the pitch having put in stellar performances for their sides, despite both conceding penalties.  Joey Batrouni made six saves for UVA, while Laurin Mack made 10 saves for Maryland.   

Despite no joy on Labor Day, the Hoos will go for three points back at home against the Duke Blue Devils this Friday, September 6th to begin conference play in the ACC. Kickoff is at 6:00 PM and you watch all the action on the ACC Network.