According to No. 4 Virginia's home record, Klöckner Stadium is a great environment to play in. Playing the last two games at home, including Sunday's contest against No. 24 Clemson, could give the Cavaliers the momentum they need entering the ACC tournament. So far this season, Virginia has won all of its games at Klöckner.
"Obviously you want to build a reputation and a record at home that you can feel confident under," Virginia coach Steve Swanson said. "I think we've been fortunate that we've got some momentum at home. We feel good on our field obviously."
Only one other ACC team, No. 2 North Carolina, enjoys an undefeated home record. However, they have only played five home games compared to Virginia's eight.
"Fans are a big help to us," Swanson said. "We really appreciate the crowds -- that's been a big difference. You need to do that. You need to have that mentality. It's such a tough conference -- you have to get results on your own field."
All of this support has helped lead the Cavaliers to a 12-2-1 record, including a 4-2-1 mark against tough conference competition. Out of the 10 ACC women's soccer teams, six of them, including Virginia, are currently ranked in the top 25 poll. Virginia has already faced four of its five currently ranked opponents, with a 2-2 record against those opponents. The Cavaliers have already defeated the No. 19 Florida State Seminoles, 1-0, and the No. 18 Duke Blue Devils, 2-1. Their losses came against No. 23 Wake Forest and the Tar Heels, both one-goal losses.
Virginia will look to use its home-field advantage to its benefit when going up against the Tiger's 5-2 away record. In the recent six-year history of Klöckner Stadium, Virginia has yet to finish the season with an undefeated home record.
If the Cavaliers want to capitalize on the advantage, they will likely have to work hard to score goals in the first half, which they have struggled to do recently. In 15 games this season, the Cavaliers have outscored their opponents 40-8, but only 16 of their goals have come in the first half.
"We're a lot more known commodity now than we were in the beginning of the year," Swanson said. "Teams have obviously scouted. They obviously understand, before they play us, the caliber on our attacking abilities. I think we're seeing a lot of people drop a lot of players back behind the ball. It may take 10 minutes, it may take 20 minutes, it may take 50 minutes, to break teams down that way."
Clemson has a potent offense as well, scoring 35 goals so far this season. The Tigers, however, will be up against a Virginia defense that has allowed the fewest amount of goals among ACC teams. They also have shutout their opponents 10 out of 15 games.
Facing a talented and ranked team like Clemson should help the Cavaliers prepare for the future that lies ahead in the ACC Tournament beginning Oct. 31.
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