#1 Virginia vs. #2 UCLA 2013 Women's College Cup Semifinal Game Breakdown
The Virginia Cavaliers will bring what Michigan Head Coach Greg Ryan called “one of the best brands of soccer he has seen in a long time” to the Women’s College Cup. The Cavaliers return to the College Cup for the first time since 1991. In the Quarterfinals, the Cavaliers were pushed by the Wolverines as a Meghan Toohey goal on a counter attack leveled the match at 1-1 in the 28th minute. However, Virginia did not flinch as they ended up dominating the shots 22-4 and controlled possession, but they had to scratch and claw their way for the game-winner by Molly Menchel in the 68th minute. The Cavaliers have scored 77 goals this season and have only been held to a single goal just three times in 25 matches. They also have been one of the best in the country at controlling the run of play as they are outshooting their opponents 21-5 on average. This consistent ability to possess the ball and create quality scoring chances wears teams down in the second half and the Cavaliers have been very adept at putting teams away in the second half. The keys for Virginia against UCLA will be to impose their will offensively and do a great job of controlling possession. Also, the ability to be patient will be very important against a Bruin back line that has been the best in the nation all season long. If Virginia can strike early and force UCLA to have to push forward, they will be in great shape to advance to the College Cup Final.
The Bruins conquered a huge psychological challenge in the Quarterfinals by knocking off NCAA tournament nemesis North Carolina on a Taylor Smith golden goal in the early stages of the second overtime to give UCLA a 1-0 victory and push them through to the College Cup. The key to success has been the ability to lock teams down defensively for the Bruins as they have done a great job in not allowing multiple goals in matches this season. Katelyn Rowland has been outstanding in goal as she has 14 shutouts this season. It is going to be critical for UCLA to avoid trying to get in a wide open shootout with Virginia and keep the match at a 1-0 or 2-1 type of match to give themselves the best chance to win. Also, the Bruins are going to have to be able to pick their spots on the counter attack and push forward. If UCLA can keep the shot totals fairly even like they did against the Tar Heels, this will be a huge plus for them as Virginia does give up quality chances on goal on occasion. This match should be one of the best matches played in a College Cup in a long time if both sides play at their absolute best.
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