After an undefeated preseason, the Cavaliers will begin defending their national title with two home matches this weekend against UAB and No. 17 St. John's.
Virginia most recently came from behind to defeat George Mason 2-1 during its final game of the preseason. Sophomore midfielder Ari Dimas, who found the net in each preseason match, scored the opening goal and provided an assist for the game-winner.
"It was a good test. We went down early in the game and had to fight back. Slowly but surely, we broke them down." Dimas said. "Our quality as a team and our cohesiveness really showed."
Virginia expects tough opposition from both UAB and St. John's. The Blazers are noted for their athleticism and size. The team posted a 12-4-2 record last season and performed well in its exhibitions for a record of 2-0-1 that included a 3-0 victory against No. 24 UNC Wilmington.
"The tempo is gonna be up," sophomore forward Will Bates said. "It's going to be a quick [paced] game."
St. John's is the reigning Big East champion and returns six starters from last year's team, including the Most Outstanding Player of the Big East Tournament, junior forward Walter Hines.
"St. John's is always fit and very tactically efficient," Dimas said of the Red Storm.
The Red Storm's size may be the team's most intimidating feature, Bates noted.
"But if we can break those guys down and then counterattack and keep the ball, I think we'll be good to go," he said.
Despite its unblemished preseason, Virginia remains cautiously optimistic heading into the regular season.
"We're very organized, we're dangerous attacking, and solid defensively," Dimas said. "If we come out and play our game, we should give them a run for their money"
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