After now-No. 2 Stanford’s draw with UC Santa Barbara Sept. 29, Virginia men’s soccer leapfrogged the Cardinals into the top spot of the United Soccer Coaches’ Poll. The Cavaliers (9-0-0, 3-0-0 ACC) have used an efficient offense and a strong defense to climb up the rankings from No. 12 to No. 1.
The last time Virginia was ranked No. 1 was in 2014 when the Cavaliers won their most recent national championship after falling as low as No. 22 during the season.
Throughout 2019, Virginia’s defense has been nothing short of stellar, as the Cavaliers have allowed just one goal through eight matches — the fewest in the program’s 76-year history. Led by junior defender Henry Kessler, junior goalkeeper Colin Shutler and Robin Afamefuna, senior captain and defensive midfielder, Virginia currently leads the nation with 0.12 goals against average, eight shutouts and a 0.950 save percentage.
Virginia has also scored 19 goals on the season, with eleven different Cavaliers having recorded a goal. Additionally, five of the eleven goal-scorers have two goals on the season, including breakout sophomore forward Daryl Dike and junior captain and midfielder Joe Bell.
However, these wins haven’t all come easily for Virginia. In their first eight matches, the Cavaliers have played three ranked opponents, including reigning national champion and former No. 1 Maryland, former No. 2 Duke and former No. 21 Notre Dame.
Despite the fact that Virginia has already played the former No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the nation, the Cavaliers’ schedule isn’t going to be any easier as the season goes on. The ACC boasts seven ranked teams — three of which Virginia has yet to play. The Cavaliers will also host in-state rival No. 16 James Madison Oct. 15 for the first time since 2015.
Notably, both the men’s and women’s soccer teams are now ranked No. 1 in the nation.
Virginia faces Louisville at Klöckner Stadium Friday at 7 p.m. The match will be broadcast live on ACC Network Extra.
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