Virginia takes College Cup with win over Akron

Defense ruled the 2009 College Cup and the final was no different on Sunday as Virginia played their usual perfect defense and Akron matched them toe to toe.  Virginia looked sure to take the lead in the early going, but a Will Bates header clanged off the post.  Akron had their chance in the 14th minute as a Anthony Ampaipitakwong shot was well saved by Virginia keeper Diego Restrepo. 

Both teams narrowly missed as the match wore on when Tony Tchani headed just over for Virginia and Teal Bunbury of Akron pushed a header wide early in the 2nd half.  The match would go to extra time where neither team wanted to make the mistake that would cost them the national championship.

In penalty kicks, Virginia raced out to a 3-1 lead as Akron’s Kofi Sarkodie rattled his spot kick off the post.  Virginia had two straight game winning kicks saved by Akron keeper David Meves, but Blair Gavin shot over giving Virginia the 2009 title.  It was 6th title for Virginia and first since 1994.

The Cavaliers finished the season on a 16 game unbeaten streak recording shutouts in 12 of their final 13 matches.  Jonathan Villanueva was named the College Cup’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player while Diego Restrepo earned the College Cup’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player.  Akron saw their season end at 22-1-1 and didn't give up a goal at the 2009 College Cup.