Lambeau Field and Cameron Indoor Stadium. Both structures house two of their respective sports most storied and successful teams. These stadiums also have personas of their own. Walk into the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field in December and before the game begins, it has already ended. The same can be said for Cameron, where ravenous fans know a victory is had before the opening tip. While the University's Klöckner Stadium may not have the same national recognition as the aforementioned playing grounds, the men's soccer team's success there should place Klöckner among the pantheon of sport's most feared facilities.
Since the Cavaliers began play at Klöckner on Aug. 30, 1992, they have amassed an unbelievable record of 148-22-7. Virginia has been equally successful during NCAA Tournament games, posting a 21-7 record over the past 12 seasons. This year's squad has continued the tradition of winning at Klöckner, as it is undefeated (5-0) this year.
Along with Klöckner's pristine playing field, many Cavalier players attribute their success at home to the natural routine they follow each game. Playing at home allows players to sleep in the comfort of their own beds and eat their usual pre-game meals. The same cannot be said for life on the road.
"When you're on the road you're sleeping in a different bed and eating food that you're not normally eating," senior defender Matt Oliver said. "Here we have this beautiful stadium. Who wouldn't want to play here? When you're playing at home, especially at Klöckner, it's a big plus."
Though Klöckner provides a huge advantage for the Cavaliers on game day, it has also become a vital tool to the team's recruiting success.
"This is the nicest college soccer facility in the country," Virginia coach George Gelnovatch said. "This facility is over 10 years old, and it's still the gem of college soccer. We had a bunch of recruits here today and they're just looking at this, looking to come."
Klöckner's recruiting appeal is evident in this year's freshman class, as 11 freshmen are on the roster.
"It feels great [to play at home]," freshman midfielder Nico Colaluca said. "The fans are great and, I mean, we fill it up every game that we have here. And the field -- you can't get any better than that. It was definitely an incentive in coming here."
The Cavaliers hope to continue their success at Klöckner tonight when they take on Liberty at 7 p.m. The Flames enter the contest with a 5-5-1 record.
The Liberty game marks a stretch of three consecutive home contests for the Cavaliers. If previous success at Klöckner is any indication, Virginia's contingent of fans -- the Sea of Orange -- should have a feeling eerily similar to that of the Cameron Crazies and Cheeseheads: They knew it was over before the opening whistle.
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