After capturing the ACC championship title a week and a half ago, the Virginia men's soccer team is set to continue its postseason run against American University tonight at Klöckner Stadium.
The Cavaliers, ranked and seeded at No. 4, were one of 16 teams to receive a bye in the first round of the NCAA tournament, so tonight's second-round matchup will be their first of the tournament. American defeated Long Island University in the first round on Saturday.
The Cavaliers say they are confident going into this year's NCAA tournament. Receiving the bye was an important advantage for the Cavaliers because it allowed them to recover from the grueling conference tournament. Many of the players believe last year's NCAA third-round loss was in part a consequence of their exhaustion after battling their way through three long games to an ACC championship.
"It is a huge advantage," senior midfielder Mike Littlefield said. "Every game is extremely tough. Last year it was hard because every game [in the ACC tournament] went into overtime, whereas this year we won in regulation and it's great to have a bye."
Sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Burke remembers vividly how the team struggled after the ACC tournament.
"Last year in the Creighton game we were physically fatigued from the ACC tournament," Burke said. "It's really tough in the postseason. You really just have to gut it out."
In addition to getting a bye, Virginia will play all its NCAA games at home until the College Cup -- a reward for getting a top-four seed. Given the Cavaliers' 11-1 record in Charlottesville this season, the home-field advantage is tremendous for Virginia.
"Playing at home is a huge help for us," Littlefield said. "We have phenomenal fans and just do well at home."
Something the Cavaliers have taken advantage of throughout the season is their depth. Virginia's ability to rotate off its bench has helped keep the team healthy and fresh throughout the season and will be a particularly important factor this late in the season, when most teams are suffering from injuries and fatigue.
After the ACC tournament win, Virginia coach George Gelnovatch noted how incredible it is to have a successful season like the Cavaliers have had without any major injuries. With all of their starters in prime shape and plenty of substitutes who have proven their worth, Virginia aims to continue to tire out their opponents while staying fresh off the bench.
"We were just talking about this as a team -- everyone's healthy and fit," Littlefield said. "This season has gone by really fast, especially compared to last season, which felt like the longest one ever. When you're successful, it goes by faster; and everyone's staying healthy and getting better and competing."
While the Cavaliers are nowhere near as familiar with the American University squad as they are with opponents they have faced in the last few weeks, Littlefield says they look forward to some fresh faces on the other side.
"I think it's nice to get out of the ACC for a little while, to see someone new and play a different team," he said. "It's single elimination though, so we've got to win. Everyone's got a good feeling, and hopefully the ACC victory will carry over."
While this will be Virginia's 24th consecutive NCAA appearance, its 42-21-2 all-time NCAA record has not led to a championship victory in 10 years. The Cavaliers claimed the NCAA title in 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994.
Virginia will take their first step with hopes for the College Cup tonight at 7 p.m.
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