TicketsCINCINNATI -- The University of Cincinnati soccer team bounced back from a heartbreaking Thursday loss at Xavier to topple Virginia Tech, 2-1, on Sunday afternoon in Gettler Stadium.
The Hokies (3-1-0) were the Bearcats' second-straight opponent receiving votes in the Top-25 poll, and they were also outscoring their previous opponents 11-1 (including a 7-1 Thursday win over Elon). There was a 30-minute lightning delay in the 41st minute.
QUOTES FROM NEIL STAFFORD
"We just talked about competing. That was something we felt we didn't do on all levels against Xavier the other night. You have to compete not just with your opponent, but on corner kicks, fouls, you name it. I felt like we did that today, and you have to do that with Virginia Tech, who's incredibly talented and well-coached. You have to be gutsy, gritty and resilient. The mentality it takes to be all of that is difficult, and that's why I'm so proud of our team today."
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bearcats struck first in the 25th minute as Maddy Pittman connected with Vanessa DiNardo on a goal inside the 6-yard box. Pittman beat her defender at midfield and streaked down the sideline stride-for-stride before feeding DiNardo on a quick reaction.
The Hokies retaliated in the 31st minute on a penalty kick, which accounted for the second out of four total goals allowed by UC.
Karli Royer gave the Bearcats some massive momentum with her left-footed, free-kick goal halfway between the 18-yard box and midfield that was too high for the keeper and made it a 2-1 margin in the 44th minute.
NOTABLE
-Cincinnati snapped a four-game losing streak to ACC teams, the last win coming August 27, 2017 over Miami at Gettler Stadium.
-Virginia Tech won the previous two meetings, 4-0 in 2015 (NCAA Tournament) and 2-0 (2019).
-DiNardo's goal was her second of the season and sixth of her career.
-Pittman's assist was her fourth.
-Royer's goal was her first since 2017, a corner kick in the 88th minute that allowed UC to defeat South Florida, 1-0.
-Taylor Nuncio started and played 85 minutes, her first action since starting the NKU game and leaving due to injury.
-Anna Rexford matched a career-high of six saves, set previously last spring against Memphis.
-Two of the Bearcats' four goals allowed this season have been on PKs.
UP NEXT
Cincinnati (2-1-1) turns its attention to Thursday night when it hosts Ball State at 7 p.m.
FOLLOW THE BEARCATS
For all the latest information on Cincinnati soccer, please visit GoBEARCATS.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the team (@GoBearcatsWSOC) and Head Coach Neil Stafford (@UCGaffer) on Twitter. You can also find the Bearcats on Instagram and Facebook.
The Hokies (3-1-0) were the Bearcats' second-straight opponent receiving votes in the Top-25 poll, and they were also outscoring their previous opponents 11-1 (including a 7-1 Thursday win over Elon). There was a 30-minute lightning delay in the 41st minute.
QUOTES FROM NEIL STAFFORD
"We just talked about competing. That was something we felt we didn't do on all levels against Xavier the other night. You have to compete not just with your opponent, but on corner kicks, fouls, you name it. I felt like we did that today, and you have to do that with Virginia Tech, who's incredibly talented and well-coached. You have to be gutsy, gritty and resilient. The mentality it takes to be all of that is difficult, and that's why I'm so proud of our team today."
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bearcats struck first in the 25th minute as Maddy Pittman connected with Vanessa DiNardo on a goal inside the 6-yard box. Pittman beat her defender at midfield and streaked down the sideline stride-for-stride before feeding DiNardo on a quick reaction.
The Hokies retaliated in the 31st minute on a penalty kick, which accounted for the second out of four total goals allowed by UC.
Karli Royer gave the Bearcats some massive momentum with her left-footed, free-kick goal halfway between the 18-yard box and midfield that was too high for the keeper and made it a 2-1 margin in the 44th minute.
NOTABLE
-Cincinnati snapped a four-game losing streak to ACC teams, the last win coming August 27, 2017 over Miami at Gettler Stadium.
-Virginia Tech won the previous two meetings, 4-0 in 2015 (NCAA Tournament) and 2-0 (2019).
-DiNardo's goal was her second of the season and sixth of her career.
-Pittman's assist was her fourth.
-Royer's goal was her first since 2017, a corner kick in the 88th minute that allowed UC to defeat South Florida, 1-0.
-Taylor Nuncio started and played 85 minutes, her first action since starting the NKU game and leaving due to injury.
-Anna Rexford matched a career-high of six saves, set previously last spring against Memphis.
-Two of the Bearcats' four goals allowed this season have been on PKs.
UP NEXT
Cincinnati (2-1-1) turns its attention to Thursday night when it hosts Ball State at 7 p.m.
FOLLOW THE BEARCATS
For all the latest information on Cincinnati soccer, please visit GoBEARCATS.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the team (@GoBearcatsWSOC) and Head Coach Neil Stafford (@UCGaffer) on Twitter. You can also find the Bearcats on Instagram and Facebook.