CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – In a thrilling encounter at Klöckner Stadium, No. 24 Virginia (11-5-0, 4-5-0 ACC) clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Clemson (6-8-2, 2-7-0 ACC) on Friday, October 25. The decisive moment came late in the match, courtesy of midfielder Lia Godfrey’s impressive strike.
GOALS
86’ – UVA: Lia Godfrey (assisted by Meredith McDermott)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Virginia appeared to take the lead in the 72nd minute when Ella Carter executed a stunning volley from about 12 yards out off a well-placed corner delivered by Annamarie Williams. However, following a review by the officials, the goal was disallowed as it was determined that a Virginia player had interfered with the Clemson goalkeeper’s line of sight.
The breakthrough finally came in the 86th minute when Lia Godfrey found the back of the net. The play initiated with a clever movement down the right flank, where Laney Rouse made a pivotal pass to Meredith McDermott. With her back to the goal, McDermott skillfully turned and navigated towards the center of the box, drawing the defense. Eventually, the ball was deftly tapped out to Godfrey stationed at the right corner, where she unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that soared into the upper left corner of the net.
NOTES ON THE GAME
- Godfrey’s remarkable goal marked her second of the season, delighting home fans in back-to-back matches.
- This goal also represented Godfrey’s 18th career score and her seventh match-winning goal, solidifying her reputation in crucial moments.
- With this victory, Virginia improved its all-time record to 17-12-3 against Clemson and has triumphed in two of their last three encounters.
- Notably, this was the first clash between Clemson and Virginia held in Charlottesville since the 2017 season, heightening the anticipation for both sets of fans.
FROM HEAD COACH STEVE SWANSON
“I saw good resilience. We did enough to get the result, which was huge. Clemson was fighting for their lives and we knew that coming into the game. I’m proud of the effort in the game tonight and the preparation this week after the Florida State result. There’s a lot we can build on, and we’re not firing on all cylinders, but we got a clean sheet and the backs did a better job. There were a lot of positives, especially the win. Now we have to get ready for a tough battle with Virginia Tech down in Blacksburg.”
UP NEXT FOR THE HOOS
Virginia wraps up its regular season on Halloween night with an away game against No. 19 Virginia Tech. The Cavaliers and Hokies will face off in the highly anticipated Smithfield Commonwealth Clash at 8 p.m., with the match set to be broadcast live on ACC Network.
Editor: Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Lia Godfrey, the standout midfielder from the No. 24 Virginia women’s soccer team, who played a pivotal role in their recent 1-0 victory over Clemson. Lia, thank you for joining us.
Lia Godfrey: Thank you for having me!
Editor: Congratulations on the win! It was a tight match, but you found a way to clinch it in the 86th minute. Can you take us through that decisive moment?
Lia Godfrey: Absolutely! It was a really exciting moment for our team. The play started with Laney Rouse making a great run down the right side and then passing it to Meredith McDermott. I could see she was being closely guarded, but she managed to turn and draw in some defenders. When she passed it out to me, I just focused on keeping my composure and striking the ball well. It felt incredible to see it hit the back of the net.
Editor: Before your goal, there was a significant moment when your teammate Ella Carter had a goal disallowed in the 72nd minute. How did the team react to that setback?
Lia Godfrey: It was frustrating initially because it felt like we were so close to scoring. We knew it was a great effort from Ella, and it’s tough when a goal is taken away like that. But instead of letting it get us down, we rallied together. We encouraged each other to stay focused and keep pushing for another opportunity. It paid off in the end!
Editor: Speaking of focus, how do you maintain your composure in such high-pressure situations, especially toward the end of a tight match?
Lia Godfrey: It definitely takes practice, but I try to remind myself of our team’s goals and the work we’ve put in. Staying relaxed and visualizing success helps, too. It’s about trusting my training and the skills that got me here. I also rely on my teammates for support; knowing they’re there lifts my confidence.
Editor: With this win, you improve to 11-5-0 for the season. What does this victory mean for the team’s momentum moving forward in the season?
Lia Godfrey: This win is huge for our confidence as we head into the final stretch of the season. Every game counts, especially with the ACC tournament coming up. We know we can compete with anyone when we play our best, so this gives us a boost and sets a positive tone for the next matches.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Lia! We wish you and the team the best of luck for the rest of the season.
Lia Godfrey: Thank you! I appreciate it, and I’m excited for what’s ahead!
Lia Godfrey: It was definitely a tough moment for us. Ella’s volley was an incredible shot, and we were all really excited when it went in. But when we found out it was disallowed, there was a moment of disappointment. However, we quickly regrouped and reminded ourselves that we couldn’t let that affect our focus. We had to keep pushing forward and keep the belief that we could still score.
Editor: It certainly paid off! This win brings you up to a strong record heading into your final regular-season game. How does the team feel about your upcoming clash against Virginia Tech, especially with the added rivalry of the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash?
Lia Godfrey: We’re really looking forward to it! Virginia Tech is always a competitive match, and the rivalry adds so much to the atmosphere. We want to carry this momentum from our win against Clemson into that game. It’s going to be tough, but I know we’re up for the challenge. We’ve been preparing mentally and physically, and I can’t wait to play in front of our fans one last time this season.
Editor: You’ve had a remarkable season personally, with your goal against Clemson being your 18th career score and your seventh match-winning goal. What does this achievement mean to you?
Lia Godfrey: I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to contribute this season, but it’s really a team effort. Every goal I’ve scored has come from the hard work and support of my teammates. I think the most important thing is that we continue to grow and improve as a team. The numbers are nice, but the wins mean the most to me.
Editor: Thanks, Lia! Best of luck in your upcoming match against Virginia Tech. We’ll be cheering for you!
Lia Godfrey: Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
