DALLAS, TEXAS — Virginia broke through in the 84th minute to steal a 1-0 victory at SMU on Friday night, with Bacary Tandjigora finishing a well-worked sequence to extend the Cavaliers' winning streak to three matches. The road win came against a Mustangs squad that controlled much of the second half but couldn't find the back of the net despite multiple scoring chances. Virginia improved to 10-1-4 overall with the result, while SMU dropped to 7-4-4.
Tandjigora's decisive strike came after Nicholas Simmonds and Nick Dang combined to set up the Virginia forward in the 84th minute. The goal capped a match that remained scoreless through 83 minutes, with both teams creating opportunities but neither able to convert until the late breakthrough. Virginia's defense held firm when it mattered most, preserving the clean sheet despite SMU's late pressure.
The first half unfolded as a tightly contested affair with neither side gaining a decisive edge. Virginia's Samuel Oulouheu fired a shot high over the goal in the 12th minute, while Jesus De Vicente sent another attempt wide of the frame later in the half. SMU struggled to generate clear-cut chances early on, though the home side's defense remained organized and disciplined. Yellow cards to Slade Starnes and Nicholas Simmonds in the 23rd minute set a physical tone for the remainder of the match.
SMU emerged with more attacking intent after the break, testing Virginia's backline with increased pressure. Mukisa Emmanuel and Villads Landsperg both fired shots that missed the target, while Jaylinn Mitchell and Charles-Emile Brunet also had efforts go wide. The Mustangs generated four corner kicks to Virginia's two in the second half, creating multiple set-piece opportunities. Despite the territorial advantage, SMU couldn't find a way past Virginia's defense, which bent but refused to break through 83 minutes.
Virginia's defense made the difference down the stretch. Nick Dang picked up a yellow card in the 57th minute but remained composed, while the Cavaliers' backline weathered wave after wave of SMU attacks. The visitors recorded just two shots on goal compared to SMU's two, but made their limited chances count when it mattered. Jesus De Vicente drew a yellow card in stoppage time as Virginia saw out the final moments.
Statistically, SMU dominated possession and created more scoring opportunities, outshooting Virginia 9-4 overall and earning four corner kicks to Virginia's two. However, the Mustangs managed only two shots on goal, while Virginia converted one of its two attempts. Both teams recorded three yellow cards apiece in a competitive, physical contest.
The result extends Virginia's impressive run of form. The Cavaliers have now won three straight matches, including a dominant 4-0 victory over Clemson last week. SMU, meanwhile, snapped a two-match unbeaten streak after draws and wins over Boston College and Stanford. The Mustangs' inability to finish their chances proved costly against a Virginia side that capitalized on its opportunity late in the match.
Virginia returns to action with momentum building toward the final stretch of the regular season, while SMU will look to bounce back and regain its footing in conference play. The loss marks a missed opportunity for the Mustangs, who controlled large portions of the match but couldn't overcome their finishing struggles against a disciplined Virginia defense.