In a physical ACC showdown between Virginia (2-2-2, 0-1-1 ACC) and Wake Forest (2-2-2, 0-0-1 ACC), the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Reese Miller netting an early goal for the Cavaliers. The match, which took place on Friday, September 13, at Spry Stadium, saw 10 yellow cards distributed in a hard-fought battle between two evenly matched teams. This contest was defined by standout performances, critical saves, and aggressive play on both ends of the field.
Early Goal for Virginia
Virginia wasted no time asserting control of the game, with Reese Miller finding the back of the net just six minutes into the match. A low cross from Paul Wiese allowed Miller to slot home his third goal of the season, setting a new career-high for the sophomore. This fast start gave Virginia the early momentum, with the Cavaliers dictating the pace and dominating possession in the opening stages of the game.
Missed Penalty Opportunity
In the 34th minute, Virginia had a golden opportunity to double its lead when Drew Serafino was brought down inside the box, earning a penalty. However, Nick Dang’s effort from the spot was denied by Wake Forest goalkeeper Trace Alphin, keeping the score at 1-0. This missed opportunity would loom large as the Cavaliers struggled to find another breakthrough.
Virginia’s Narrow Halftime Lead
As the first half progressed, Virginia continued to press forward. With just over two minutes left in the opening 45 minutes, Wiese’s short corner to Danny Mangarov led to a deflected header from Dang, which set up a chance for Kome Ubogu. However, his attempt was cleared off the line, preserving Virginia’s narrow 1-0 lead at halftime.
Wake Forest’s Second-Half Push
Virginia was forced to defend for much of the second half, with goalkeeper Joey Batrouni stepping up to make critical saves. Batrouni, who recorded a season-high six saves, including five in the second half alone, was instrumental in keeping the Cavaliers in the match. His shot-stopping ability helped withstand a relentless offensive surge from Wake Forest, who dominated possession in the final 45 minutes.
Equalizer From Cooper Flax
In the 70th minute, Wake Forest found the equalizer through a remarkable free-kick goal by Cooper Flax. From 25 yards out, Flax curled the ball past the outstretched hands of Batrouni, striking the left post before it nestled into the net. This goal brought the match level at 1-1, and despite continued pressure from both sides, neither team could find the decisive goal in the remaining minutes.
Statistical Breakdown of the Match
Despite starting strong, Virginia was ultimately outshot 19-8 by Wake Forest. The Cavaliers managed only three shots on target compared to seven for their opponents. Reese Miller’s goal, his third of the season, remains a highlight as he leads the team in scoring. Paul Wiese’s assist on the goal was his third of the season, making him the team’s leading playmaker.
The physical nature of the game was evident, with 10 yellow cards being handed out—seven to Virginia and three to Wake Forest. This aggressive play from both teams added to the intensity of the contest, but also led to multiple stoppages and disrupted the flow of the game.
Key Players and Performances
Joey Batrouni’s performance in goal was a standout, as he kept his team in the match with his season-high six saves. His ability to handle Wake Forest’s persistent attacks, particularly in the second half, was critical in preserving the draw for Virginia.
Reese Miller’s early goal was his third of the 2024 season, marking a new career-high for him. Miller has been a crucial part of Virginia’s offense, consistently delivering in key moments. His performance against Wake Forest continues to highlight his development as one of the team’s top goal-scorers.
Historical Context
With this draw, Virginia’s all-time record against Wake Forest now stands at 40-14-9. Under head coach George Gelnovatch, the Cavaliers have fared well against the Demon Deacons, boasting a 24-12-7 record. This rivalry has produced many intense battles, and Friday’s match was no exception.
Tactical Approach and Game Analysis
Virginia’s early dominance in possession was a key factor in their fast start. The Cavaliers applied high pressure, forcing Wake Forest onto the back foot. This tactical approach paid off in the opening minutes, leading to Miller’s early goal.
Despite being under siege for much of the second half, Virginia’s defense held firm. Anchored by Batrouni in goal, the Cavaliers remained disciplined in their shape, limiting Wake Forest to long-range efforts for much of the game.
“We had a really good start scoring the goal and putting a lot of pressure on them, and I look at that whole half as very positive. We drew a penalty and had two scrambles on the goal line. On a better day, one of those goes in and it’s 2-0 at halftime, which makes a big difference. I think we defended for long stretches in the second half—a bit more than I wanted to.
“The free kick that they scored on was a world-class free kick. There wasn’t much we could do there other than prevent the foul. Overall, it’s not the end of the world. We’ll keep getting better and be ready for the next one,” Virginia head coach George Gelnovatch said.
Virginia’s Prospects
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will travel to California for another ACC showdown on September 21. They’ll face off against the Golden Bears in Berkeley, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET. This match will provide another tough test for Virginia as they aim to secure a win on the road.
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Notable Milestones and Firsts
Joaquín Brizuela made his first career start for Virginia, playing 46 minutes in this highly competitive match. His introduction into the starting lineup adds a new dimension to the Cavaliers’ play and shows the depth of the squad.
Virginia’s performance against Wake Forest highlighted several individual and team achievements. Miller’s three goals in 2024 set a single-season career high for him, while Paul Wiese’s assist count also continues to grow, making him one of the team’s top contributors.