Western Albemarle’s girls soccer’s Abigail Zimmerman just doesn’t stop.
“She’s really aggressive, she really really wants it,” said Western’s Julia Berg. “If people put in the work to go up the side, she puts in the work to make sure she’s in the box to be there to finish it.”
Zimmerman’s two second half goals, one off a brilliant header, helped the Warriors snuff out any hope of a Riverside comeback in a 3-0 win Friday morning in the VHSL Group 3A semifinals at Salem High School, pushing Western into the state championship game. Western will face Brentsville in the state title game, their second appearance in three years after losing in the final to Blacksburg back in 2015.
“No matter who it is, we have to come out so strong,” Zimmerman said before Brentsville and Blacksburg faced off. “This is redemption for us from a few years ago.”
While Zimmerman closed the door on the Rams, it was Savanah Wilson’s strike from way outside in the first half that held up as the game-winner. Wilson’s goal gave Western the edge, but the Warriors defense had to hold up and that got more complicated when All-Region 3A West defender Shannon Moore got injured early. That necessitated a shift in responsibilities, particularly for Julia Berg.
“I had to move to center back, which isn’t a problem,” Berg said. “That was my usual position before so I was pretty comfortable with it.”
The way Riverside attacks also presented some challenges that Western handled smoothly despite not having Moore in the lineup.
“We had to make sure we dropped enough because they’re a very direct team and they always look for the center forward,” Berg said. “We just had to make sure we were covering one another, communication is a big part of that.”
Berg’s move and comfort gave the Warriors’ transition game the same feel it usually has. Western has made a habit of overcoming injuries or absences all season long, in part because of their depth and in part because so many of the Warriors’ pieces are such versatile, well-rounded soccer players.
“Losing Shannon of course just makes you want it more for her personally,” Zimmerman said. “But Julia I knew right away we could just put her back there on defense and it makes you more comfortable and calm down. I know Julia will find my feet and I don’t have to worry about her getting in behind, she reads better than anyone else I know.”
Western will get its final test this year Saturday at 5 p.m. when the Warriors clash with Brentsville with a state title on the line at Roanoke College.
