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The men’s soccer team earned its 27th-consecutive NCAA Tournament berth and will host St. Peter’s Friday at 5 p.m.

Question: What are your thoughts about your first round opponent and location?
Gelnovatch:
I am glad that we earned a berth to the NCAA Tournament and I thought we deserved it. I’m also excited that we have another home game for our fans. We are playing on Friday at 5 p.m., so hopefully on the day after Thanksgiving people will want to come out and see us play.

Question: What is your favorite NCAA Tournament memory from your playing days? As a coach?
Gelnovatch
: My first year playing at Virginia my team advanced to the final four of the NCAA Tournament, and as far as my playing days that was the farthest I ever went and we had a really good run. So that experience for me would be my favorite memory. As a head coach, I’ve advanced to the College Cup so both of those opportunities were very memorable

Question: What player is going to surprise people this postseason?
Gelnovatch
: Well Jeremy Barlow has been out with an injury, so hopefully he will be back and get himself going. Also Jonathan Villanueva has been playing great so he has potential to surprise some people if he is playing his best.

Question: Virginia has earned a berth to 27-straight NCAA Tournaments. What does that mean to you and your program?
Gelnovatch:
It is an outstanding achievement and great for the program. It speaks to the rich history and tradition at UVa. I’ve been fortunate to be part of it as a player, an assistant coach and a head coach for nearly 25 years.

Question: What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? What are your plans for the holiday?
Gelnovatch:
[Laughs] Well usually my Thanksgiving tradition involves a meal at someplace like Denny’s, because I’m either on the road or recruiting. But this year I am having the team over to my house for dinner. Thanksgiving for me has always been synonymous with soccer.

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