Kicking off the new season as the defending national champions, the Cavaliers are now enjoying their highest official expectations since the 2002 season - ranking only behind the Akron Zips, last year's NCAA runner-up.
And despite losing several important starters - including Tony Tchani and Neil Barlow, the team's second- and third-most prolific point winners - the Virginia squad seems to share these high expectations.
"Defending national champions have a swagger," coach George Gelnovatch said, adding that the team's motivation to play hard has not abated, regardless of the NCAA title to its name. "I think that's there. I think the hunger is there."
Moreover, the team has retained its defensive core from last year, which should aid in the transition.
"We have a good foundation coming back," senior goalkeeper Diego Restrepo said. "We have the same discipline, the same mindset."
That may be good news for Cavalier soccer fans, who have become used to watching their team put up impressive statistics - from goals allowed (8) to shutouts (16), consecutive shutouts (11) to consecutive scoreless minutes (1176:51).
Nevertheless, Virginia may suffer from losses to its roster, and whether the Cavaliers can continue this success may depend in how well they can replace Tchani, Barlow and the other outgoing midfielders. The team will be counting on the midfield experience of sophomore Ari Dimas and junior defender Hunter Jumper. In addition, sophomore forward Will Bates - who was named Soccer America's freshman of the year and led last year's squad in goals scored - looks ready to play a vital role in Virginia's relatively young offense.
For now, it's still about finding the winning lineup.
"We just gotta figure out the right combination," Gelnovatch said.
Individual accomplishments could also help the team going forward. Bates and junior defender Greg Monaco were recently named to the Hermann Trophy watch list, the highest award in collegiate soccer. Monaco was also named to the College Soccer News preseason All-America third team, while Restrepo was named to the first team.
Nevertheless, these players emphasized maintaining a positive team attitude going forward.
"It's a great honor for sure," Monaco said of the accolades. "But it's not about the individual things right now."
Overall, Bates said the goals of the team are mostly the same: namely to strive for another championship.
"The feeling of last year was so good," Bates said. "Why not try and do it again?"
Still, Virginia will need to have all 11 players at their best to succeed in a stacked conference this year. ACC teams account for six of the top 12 teams in the national preseason rankings. Add next Sunday's home matchup against No. 17 St. John's - the second of the season - and it already looks like it may be a long road to the postseason.
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