/
.
Celebration Event Set for UVa NCAA/ACC Championship Men's Soccer Team
Story Links
Charlottesville, VA – A celebration to honor the 2009 Virginia men’s soccer team, which won the NCAA and ACC Championships, will take place Saturday, Jan. 23 in the main concourse of John Paul Jones Arena. The activities will start at 6 p.m. and are scheduled to last 90 minutes.
The event will feature the Cavalier players, head coach George Gelnovatch and his staff. Fans in attendance will receive a special poster commemorating the season. The first 300 fans in attendance will receive a free commemorative men’s soccer t-shirt.
Both players and coaches will be available for autographs and photos and the NCAA and ACC Championship trophies will be on display for fans to see.
“We are excited about this event and thrilled to be able to celebrate our NCAA and ACC Championships in Charlottesville,” Gelnovatch said. “Our fans provided an unbelievable atmosphere both at home and on the road during the entire season, but because of the holidays and exam break immediately after the NCAA Tournament, we have not been able to celebrate with them. We encourage everyone to come out for this great event.”
Virginia won the program’s sixth NCAA title on Dec. 13, defeating No. 1 ranked Akron 3-2 in a penalty kick shootout. The Cavaliers finished the season with a 19-3-3 record. After starting the season 6-3, the Cavaliers did not lose in their final 16 matches and allowed just three goals during that stretch. UVa downed NC State 1-0 to claim the program’s 10th ACC Championship and the fourth during Gelnovatch’s tenure.
At the College Cup Jonathan Villanueva was named the Most Outstanding Offensive Player while keeper Diego Restrepo was the Most Outstanding Defensive Player.
Following the conclusion of the season, Soccer America named Gelnovatch its Men’s Coach of the Year and forward Will Bates was tabbed its Freshman of the Year. Tony Tchani was named a first-team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and was joined by Restrepo on the College Soccer News’ All-America team. The duo were also named Soccer America MVPs.
Parking at JPJA will be free. Fans should enter the arena through the main concourse entrance on the west side of the building.
Fans will also have an opportunity to meet the team at John Paul Jones Arena prior to the men’s basketball game against Virginia Tech on Jan. 28. The Cavaliers will be recognized at halftime of this game as well.