Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW): Virginia Men’s Soccer takes to the pitch this evening for a vital clash with the Stanford Cardinal as ACC play continues in the 2024 season.  The weather backdrop could not be more interesting, as Hurricane Helene has made its presence known across the eastern US.  At the time of writing however, the match is set to go ahead. 

Last time out, the Hoos tied with California on the west coast.  Though they succeeded in beating Cal keeper Marco Brougher after a scoreless first half, the hosts were, ultimately, able to equalize, and force both teams to take a point each at the end of the evening.  Kome Ubogu was the man to find the net for the Hoos and has proven difficult to control for opposing defenses in UVA’s last few fixtures.  The draw with Cal was the second consecutive tie in as many matches, the Hoos have yet to win a match since their 5-0 victory against St. Joseph’s back on August 29th.   

The #2 ranked Cardinal have only dropped points twice this season, last time out in their 2-2 draw with Duke, and have not lost a match since their August 25th defeat to Denver.  Two midfielders, including reigning ACC Co-Offensive Player of the Week Fletcher Bank, along with Zach Bohane each found the net for Stanford in that battle with Duke, and keeper Rowan Scnebly made three saves in the game despite conceding two.   

Virginia and Charlottesville have not played since 2016, and UVA owns a 0-1-2 record against the Cardinal.  If the Hoos can batten the hatches down in the midfield, no small task against a vaunted Stanford side, that will allow the defense to have an extra breath to stay sharp at the back, prevent some unlucky chances from threatening a clean sheet.  The UVA attack has had no trouble creating scoring chances but has failed to convert many of them.   Added finesse and patience in front of net could solve the problem.  However, time will tell, as Helene may have her say regarding whether the match goes ahead tonight.  Kickoff is set for 7:30 at Klockner Stadium this evening, should the weather permit, head out to grounds and support your Hoos.  But ONLY, if weather permits.