The Virginia men’s soccer team is gearing up for its third consecutive appearance in the quarterfinals of the ACC Men’s Soccer Championship, scheduled for Sunday, November 10. The Cavaliers, seeded ninth with a record of 9-5-3, will face the top-seeded defending champions, No. 9 Pitt, who enter the match with an impressive 12-4-0 record. The game will take place at 8 p.m. at Ambrose Urbanic Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and will be broadcasted on the ACC Network.
Fans can follow the match through multiple platforms, including WatchESPN.com and the ESPN app, provided they have access to the ACC Network through their TV subscription. For real-time updates and more details, the program’s official Twitter account (@UVAMenSoccer) will be sharing information throughout the game.
The Cavaliers’ journey to this point included a thrilling first-round matchup against NC State, where they secured a comeback victory with a 2-1 scoreline, marked by two quick goals in the second half. This victory symbolizes a resurgence for Virginia, being their first comeback win in the ACC tournament since their triumph over Clemson in the 2019 final.
Pitt, the number-one seed in the tournament, is making its return after enjoying a bye in the first round. The winner of the upcoming match will advance to the semifinals, where they will compete against either No. 15 SMU or Wake Forest at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, on Thursday, November 14.
The matchup is a significant one in terms of their historical rivalry, with Virginia holding a 10-5-2 advantage in their series against the Panthers. This will be the 18th meeting between them, with only two of those being in the ACC Men’s Soccer Championship. The last encounter saw Virginia suffer a heavy 4-1 defeat, underscoring the intensity and competitiveness of this rivalry.
Virginia has a storied history in the ACC Tournament, boasting 16 championships and 11 tournament titles, with their last victory coming in 2019. The Cavaliers’ all-time record in the tournament stands at an impressive 47 wins, 20 losses, and 14 draws.
On an individual level, Nick Dang has emerged as a key player for Virginia, currently leading the team with six goals, making him the top-scoring defender in NCAA Division I. This represents a significant improvement for Dang, who previously scored just four times in his three seasons at Lipscomb.
As Virginia heads into this pivotal match, there is a palpable sense of optimism and determination. The Cavaliers have proven their resilience and capability throughout the season, and with strong performances from key players, they have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. This upcoming game not only gives them a chance to continue their postseason journey but also serves as an opportunity to reclaim their status among the elite in college soccer.