They may have worn a new kit and had new faces in the starting 11, but when Virginia took the pitch at Klöckner Field Friday, they went back to the same winning ways as they capped off an explosive night with their first win of the season. After dropping the first two matches, the resilient Cavaliers (1-0-2, 0-0-0 ACC), rebounded with a strong 4-0 thrashing of American (0-2-1, 0-0-0 Patriot League).
Looking to avoid a third-straight loss to open up the season for the first time since 1996, Virginia pounced on the ball early and never looked back with possession. Fourth-year forward AJ Smith was able to bang in the opening goal in the 17th minute, marking the first time the Cavaliers scored before their opponent this season.
“The whole team wanted a reaction from the two losses,” Smith said. “The mindset was to come into this game and absolutely kill.”
Goal scoring was on high display as the team feasted on the Eagles. Four different Cavaliers registered their first goals of the season, executing clinically on chances created throughout the first half.
Although attacking and playmaking were down with second-year forward Sami Oulouheu and third-year midfielder Arnold Matshazi out due to injury, the hunger amongst the squad to create chances was no different.
Shortly after the opening goal, the newly starting first-year forward duo of Prince Abanfo and Chase Duke teamed up for their first goal contributions of the Virginia careers. A Duke cross from the right wing found a wide open Abanfo cutting in from the left for a simple finish.
First-game jitters seemed non-existent as the talented young duo paid dividends for the Cavaliers. They provided a much-needed jolt of offensive attack and exemplified well the team's next man up mentality.
“Those guys are great attacking players, and they're young,” Coach Gelnovatch said. “This was an opportunity with some injuries and some other things to get those guys onto the field, I thought they did well.”
Denying American the ability to even fathom creating chances to score was a well-drawn-out point of emphasis to adjust from the last two matches. Protecting the box and playing out of the backline were key ingredients to tonight’s winning recipe.
“We wanted to be better at defending our penalty area. We wanted to be better at defending in the back,” Gelnovatch said. “We also wanted to be able to play out of the back, but not take unnecessary chances.”
Fifth-year defender Sebstian Pop was vital in the squad, holding down the fort and playing out of the backline. But, he was also vital in ensuring more goals were added to Virginia’s tally. Lambe was able to thread another needle — this time to third-year midfielder Luke Burns — whose shot found connection with Pop’s foot, ricocheting tightly on the goal line and being deemed the goal after review in the 43rd minute.
Maintaining composure and the lead, the Klöckner crowd even got some playing time of their own as the match winded down. During live play, the ball was lofted into the stands and thrown down by a fan which was headed by another and placed perfectly into the referee's hands.
To cap off the match, Burns wove into the box in the 81st minute and drew a penalty for the squad. Fourth-year forward Marcos Dos Santos took the penalty and was able to put the cherry on top of a sweet treat for fans to enjoy on their Friday night. Banging the penalty in the right corner of the net followed a wholesome celebration from the team with the kids.
A much-needed victory was secured for a team searching for answers. A win that the team hopes to use as momentum as they continue to build newfound chemistry within the regular season.
“Today we just tightened up a few things, made some adjustments to the defensive piece of things, and put a complete performance together. So we'll build on this.” Gelnovatch said.
The early adversity might have just been a privilege in disguise for Virginia, as it gave them the opportunity to make necessary adjustments and find what clicks best. The Cavaliers will look to continue to click as they host another match at Klöckner against Florida Gulf Coast Monday at 6 p.m.
Read More
Eyes on the prize, target on their back — football faces heightened expectations in 2026
By Drew Dillman | 18 hours agoWhen the Cavaliers take the field at Scott Stadium this season, they will do so with the burden of real expectations on their backs.
While you were gone, Virginia sports kept moving
By Eleanor Lynch | 2 days agoSo, if your mind was elsewhere this summer, consider this your Virginia Athletics catch-up — because the Cavaliers gave us a lot to talk about.
2025 was a banner year for Virginia football — what awaits the program in 2026?
By Ben McNiff , Theo Moll , Ryan Weiner and Drew Dillman | 3 days agoThe Cavaliers are looking to repeat their successes from the previous year despite a new team and a new schedule.
