Virginia Women’s Soccer Takes Down Charlotte

Just two minutes into the second half, Maggie Cagle drove into the box and hit what to me looked to me like a relatively speculative shot into the lower left corner, thus doubling Virginia’s lead.  At this point, Virginia was running Charlotte.  Ella Carter struck a screamer that just went wide and Addison Halpern connected on a nice volley at the penalty spot.

The final goal came following a nice Sophia Bradle drive to the top of the box where she put the ball in the same spot as Cagle for the 3 – 0 lead.

With nine minutes remaining, Swanson emptied his bench as both Kira Waller and Kathryn Kelly, neither of whom saw the pitch last season, made their first appearances as Cavaliers.

For the game, Virginia took 24 shots, putting 11 on goal, and forced Charlotte keeper, Harlee Head, into a career-high eight saves.

With time running out, Charlotte’s Evie Craven, also faster than our two center backs, went one-on-one against Safradin, and Viki responded with a fabulous save to preserve the shutout.  Safradin is a different keeper this year.  Swanson raved last year (and this year as well) about Safradin’s shot-stopping ability.  I didn’t see it last year, but this year Safradin has had to come off her line twice, and she’s made the save both times.  I still think the defense is suspect  -- and former striker Maya Carter, while looking solid, is going through some growing pains – and the team will need a big year from Safradin if the Hoos are going to make the ACC tourney this year.

Freshman Watch:  There are four freshmen getting playing time this year.   The number four and five recruits in the country, defensive midfielder Jordyn Hardeman, striker Addison Halpern, winger Carrie Helfrich, and outside defender Olivia Rademaker.  Halpern is starting in Jill Flammia’s absence, but she’s not setting the world on fire.  Hardeman has upperclassman-like distribution and vision, and Rademaker looks to be an equal successor to Courtney Petersen and Samar Guidry at left back, but the freshman I predict is going to be the most impactful – and yes, this is just after four games – is Helfrich.  She has pace, is a very effective dribbler, and can seemingly beat two defenders every time she touches the ball.  I fully expect her to slot into the Maggie Cagle role once Cagle departs Grounds next spring.

Next Up:  Virginia hosts Georgetown this Sunday, September 1st at 1pm.  The game will be on ACC Network Extra.