The men's soccer team this year is big -- and not because of their 4-1 record or their stunning defeat of then-No. 2 Wake Forest. This big refers to the team's roster.
Look at the official men's team photograph, and you will find 35 faces staring back at you. For a sport that places only 11 people on the field at any given time, that's huge. Far from hindering Virginia, these numbers may be giving the Cavaliers the edge they need to win.
Last week's victory against Wake Forest skyrocketed Virginia from a No. 20 ranking by Soccer America to an 11th place ranking in the nation. The victory was probably owed in a large part to the size of the new team and the skill of the new players Virginia has acquired.
"We are a really deep team this year," senior defender Matt Oliver said. "I'm not surprised at how well [the freshmen subs] are doing because they came to preseason and showed us what they can do."
Last season, the team had 22 players on its roster. Since then, it has lost none and acquired plenty. Eleven new freshmen and one transfer student have joined the team. This size has enabled Virginia to substitute freely during games and still maintain the same level of talent on the field.
Against Wake Forest, Virginia trailed by one the entire first half, only to come back fresh in the second and defeat the Demon Deacons with two straight goals.
What's more, both goals were scored by players who had just come off the bench. Sophomore Ian Holder, who came into the game for the second half, scored 15 minutes into play, and Matt Ayotte, who was sent in as a substitute for Holder, scored 10 minutes later. This subbing trend has been a strategy in many games, and it has clearly been working.
In the last five games, Virginia has started 16 different players and subbed in eight. The Cavaliers have been averaging about seven subs per game, whereas opposing teams have been averaging about four. This allows Virginia to put fresh players out on the field just as the other team is getting tired.
Virginia coach George Gelnovatch said that it's not keeping good players on the field that's a problem now.
"We got a lot of good players," he said "Everyone of them is making it tough for me to get them off the field."
The Cavaliers host Manhattan tonight at 7 p.m. They hope their numbers and skill will help them bring home something else that has been pretty big with the team this year: victory.
Read More
Seven Cavaliers, one recruit selected in 2025 MLB Draft
By Emory Huffman | YesterdayThe draft process went swimmingly for Virginia.
From debilitating illness to Grand Slam main draw: Chris Rodesch’s story
By Margaret Piatos | YesterdayChris Rodesch's torrid run has been an inspiring summer story.
Virginia reloads with a new leader, an emphasis on fundamentals and … bowling?
By Xander Tilock | July 10, 2025The new leader of Virginia men's basketball, and some players, offered an inside look at offseason plans.
