The Virginia men's soccer team kept a winning streak alive yesterday, defeating No. 4 North Carolina 1-0 to improve to 4-3 overall and 2-0 in the ACC.
The Cavaliers muscled their way to their third straight win -- two of which have come over top-five teams -- in a game where referees' whistles blew often, with each team being called for two yellow cards.
The lone goal of the rough, physical match was scored when Virginia forward Mike Littlefield headed a cross from sophomore midfielder Joe Vide into the back of the net. The goal was the second of the season for Littlefield, a junior transfer from Coastal Carolina.
"I think he's gained his confidence," Virginia coach George Gelnovatch said.
Littlefield also scored the game-winning goal with a header last week, when the Cavaliers defeated Mount St. Mary's 1-0.
"That's kind of my niche, being able to jump and head the ball," Littlefield said.
The six-foot former high school basketball player said he's always relied on his height and jumping ability on the field, but his pre-game routine has changed over the last two games.
"It gets superstitious," Littlefield said. "I drink this energy drink now. I did it before last game and I felt great."
Littlefield's surge has helped Virginia regain a winning record after starting the season 1-3. The difference for the Cavaliers has been jumping on opponents early and scoring the first goal instead of "chasing the game," Gelnovatch said.
"When we're up a goal, we're relaxed," Littlefield said. "We take our time, we keep the ball, and that's a big advantage for us."
Gelnovatch also praised the play of true freshman goalie Ryan Best, who recorded his second straight shutout yesterday despite straining his quadricep late in the first half.
"The whole second half he couldn't kick a ball, but UNC didn't figure it out until the end," Gelnovatch said.
The Tar Heels fell to Virginia in spite of a swarming defense and a goal by UNC junior forward Marcus Storey that was wiped off the scoreboard due to an offsides call.
Statistically, the game was just as close as it appeared on the field with Virginia edging North Carolina 11-10 in shots, but the Tar Heels edged out Virginia in saves, 4-3, with sophomore keeper Ford Williams leading UNC.
"Starting off the ACC beating Wake and UNC, those are really big wins for us," Littlefield said. "Now we just have to keep on plugging. It puts us in the driver's seat, but we can't just sit back."
The momentum from a conference win will carry the Cavaliers into Wednesday's contest with William & Mary, which ended Virginia's season last year with a second-round NCAA tournament win that went the distance, ending in penalty kicks. The Tribe squad is notorious in the Virginia locker room for pulling out surprise upsets and is on a two-game win streak against Virginia.
The Cavaliers will look to continue their own season win streak Wednesday in the friendly confines of Klöckner Stadium, while looking to go two games above .500 for the first time this season.
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