Soccer Opens ACC Play Saturday at No. 2 UVA
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – With its challenging nonconference schedule in the books, the Miami Hurricanes women’s soccer team embarks on its ACC slate Saturday beginning with a road trip to No. 2 Virginia at Klockner Stadium.
Miami’s nonconference calendar included early tilts with two ranked in-state sides – UCF and Florida – as well as a trip to the Nike Portland Invitational for matches against previously ranked Portland and Washington. The Canes topped 2013 NCAA Tournament team Jacksonville and Stetson during a four-match homestand.
Head coach Mary-Frances Monroe says the nonconference schedule has given her team confidence heading into Saturday’s match with the unbeaten Cavaliers (8-0-0).
“We had a very competitive nonconference schedule specifically to prepare for these conference games,” Monroe said.
Facing a Pilots squad that entered the season ranked in the top 20, Monroe’s club put together its best performance of the season in an eventual 2-1 loss in its Invitational opener last weekend.
The Hurricanes (2-6-0) found themselves trailing 1-0 at halftime, but an early second-half goal from sophomore Emily Auld – who has been one of many bright spot for Miami through its first eight matches – knotted the game in a hostile environment. Miami would fall on a Pilots penalty kick.
With the ACC considered the top women’s soccer conference in America, Monroe and her staff are hoping the team can draw from some of those challenging September games heading deeper into the fall.
“We were a different team tonight,” Monroe said after the loss to the Pilots. “I am really proud of them. We came out with energy, determination, and fight.”
Facing one of the nation’s top-ranked teams Saturday, Miami has reason to be optimistic. Early on in their 2013 ACC slate in Monroe’s first season at the helm, the Hurricanes topped No. 3 Notre Dame 2-0 with one of its most complete performances of the season.
Should the team expect another upset against the Cavaliers?
Monroe says if this week’s training is any indication, the Hurricanes should be in good shape.
“The team was plugged in all week in preparation for Virginia. The team is ready, and I’m excited for a great match in Charlottesville on Saturday night.”
Kickoff for Saturday’s match is set for 7 p.m. A live video stream will be available through Cavaliers Live ($), while VirginiaSports.com will offer live stats updates. For more information, follow @CanesFutbol on Twitter or LIKE Miami Soccer on Facebook.
