No. 2 Virginia Heads to No. 18 Syracuse for Saturday ACC Match

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Sept. 26, 2014

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The No. 2-ranked Virginia men’s soccer team travels to Syracuse Saturday evening for an ACC match with the No. 18 Orange. First touch is scheduled for 7 p.m. at SU Soccer Stadium.

Live Statistics
A link to live statistics is available on VirginiaSports.com.

Records
Virginia: 4-2-1 (ACC: 1-0-1/4 points)
Syracuse: 7-1-0 (ACC: 1-1-0/3 points)

In the Polls
Virginia is No. 2 in the latest NSCAA poll, No. 3 in the Soccer America rankings and No. 4 in in the Top Drawer soccer poll. Syracuse stands No. 18 in the NSCAA and Soccer America rankings and No. 14 in the Top Drawer Soccer poll.

Virginia-Syracuse Series
The Cavaliers and Orange have met just one time previously, last year in the programs’ first year as ACC rivals. UVa earned a 2-0 win at Syracuse on Sept. 28, 2013, on goals from Jordan Allen and Riggs Lennon.

More Close Matches for Cavaliers
All seven UVa matches this season have been determined by one goal or fewer. UVa has been tied at the half in six of its seven games this year.

Offense Looks to Finish on Chances
Despite dealing with injuries to several attacking players in the early season, Virginia’s offense has created its share of chances in the first seven games. UVa is still looking to convert on those chances though; Virginia is averaging over 13 shots per game but just one goal per match (11th in the ACC). The Cavaliers had 15 shots, including eight on goal, Tuesday in their 2-1 loss to Davidson.

Scouting Syracuse
At 7-1-0 with a three-match win streak, the Orange is off to its best start through eight games since the 1984 season. Syracuse boasts a stifling defense that has allowed just one goal this season. Emil Ekblom leads the team with five goals, which ranks second in the ACC.

Up Next
Virginia returns home Tuesday (Sept. 30) for a 7 p.m. game against James Madison. The Cavaliers visit Pitt next Saturday (Oct. 4) in ACC play.