WVU Women’s Soccer Falls in Opener Against Virginia

Despite out-shooting the #15 Virginia Cavaliers (1-0-0), the West Virginia Mountaineers (0-1-0) dropped the season opener in Morgantown, 1-0. A crowd of 1,106 watched an airtight chess match between two elite programs on Thursday evening. Read more: WVU Women’s Soccer Falls in Opener Against Virginia

First Half 

It was a stalemate for the first 45 minutes of the 2025 season, as neither team could tally a goal. WVU put pressure on early in the match, collecting two shots in the opening four minutes. UVA controlled the tempo for the next dozen or so minutes, earning a pair of corner kicks.

The rest of the first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams getting decent looks in the attacking third. 

At the Break

The match was tied at halftime, but WVU had made the most of its limited time of possession. The Mountaineers had three shots on goal in the first half, compared to zero from the Cavaliers. Despite the statistical advantage in favor of WVU, Virginia returned to the pitch with some serious fire. 

Second Half

After the stalemate continued, the match finally saw a goal scored. Ella Carter was credited with the goal after capitalizing on the Cavaliers’ corner kick. This was one of seven corner kicks that Virginia had throughout the game, a damning statistic on the evening. 

Carter’s tally in the 64th minute was enough to get the job done, as WVU was unable to find the back of the net. It was not due to a shortage of chances, however, as the Mountaineers racked up 14 shots, including five on goal. 

The Keepers

Virginia goalkeeper Victoria Safradin earned the complete game shutout and saved all five shots on goal. On the opposite side of the pitch, Mackenzie Smith saved one of two shots on goal that she faced. 

WVU Head Coach Nikki Izzo-Brown still praised Smith, despite the loss.

 “I thought Mac did great, great leadership in the back… my battle cry to these girls all the time is that we’re hunting consistency… but she had a great night tonight.”

You can find the full post-game press conference with Izzo-Brown attached here. 

Related: Rodriguez Says College Football Should Model the NFL

What’s Next

The Mountaineers’ loss to the Cavaliers on Thursday was another notch in the belt of the ACC foe. Virginia now leads the all-time series, 14-4-3. Virginia will move on to open its home slate next Thursday against Xavier in Charlottesville. 

As for West Virginia, the team will also have a week to regroup and prepare for the Akron Zips. That match is set for a 7 p.m. first touch at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium on August 21st. It will be the second game of a doubleheader, as WVU men’s soccer plays at 4 p.m. 

Tune In

All WVU women’s soccer home matches are available on ESPN+. For more coverage on the Mountaineers, as well as all things West Virginia sports, stay up to date with WV Sports Nation.