The Virginia men's soccer team advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament by holding on to a 2-1 victory over St. John's (14-5-2) on a rain- soaked Klockner Field Sunday. The fifth-seeded Cavaliers (17-5-1) will host Creighton (20-3) this Saturday in their quest for their first national title since 1994.
A problem with field drainage caused a good portion of Klockner to remain drenched, and the entire match was played under bizarre conditions. Puddles covered much of the center of the field, disturbing midfield play and causing both teams to resort to more of a longball attack.
Virginia struck first with a pretty goal by junior midfielder Steve Totten just nine minutes into the match. Sophomore forward Ryan Gibbs headed the ball from the right side of the penalty box to Totten, who was charging down the middle of the field. Totten controlled the ball and fired a shot from 15 yards out into the left side of the net for a 1-0 lead.
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