:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44338790/usa-today-8271237.0.jpg)
In a week with very little action, there's some big news:
The University of Virginia Men's Soccer team are the 2014 NCAA National Champions!!
Say it with me...
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!
After a season full of up and downs, the Wahoos hit their stride late and found a way to win in the post-season. As the No.16 seed in the tournament, the Hoos had to go through No.1 seeded (and reigning National Champ) Notre Dame, No.8 Georgetown, and unseeded UMBC to get to the finals.
In the first round, Virginia dispatched UNC-Wilmington 3-1. Then the Hoos had to take the road to South Bend where they upset Notre Dame 1-0. Next, another stress-filled affair in Washington, DC as Virginia tied the game late (:53 left) against Georgetown before winning in penalty kicks to get to the College Cup.
In Cary, NC, the Cavaliers drew the unseeded Retrievers of UMBC, winning Friday night to the tune of 1-0. Darius Madison scored in just the fifth minute of the game, providing the only score they would need.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cfmaz3QjNv8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
The win sent the Hoos to their eighth National Championship game, having won six of the previous seven (1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 2009). Their foe would be the UCLA Bruins, seeded No.2 in the post season.
Virginia Coach George Gelnovatch put together a brilliant strategy, continuing to build the game tactics around the defense that served the Cavaliers so well in the post season. UCLA, an extremely talented and quick team, posed a big threat on attack with sharp shooters and fast cutters. Virginia dug in, deciding to keep the ball and players out in front of them, and it was executed to perfection.
While the non-UVa. folks in the crowd may have hated it and found it "ugly", Coach Gelnovatch was happy with the 0-0 tie going into halftime. Even the ESPNU commentators sounded agitated by the strategy, but as they say...if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Speaking of UVa. folks in the crowd...shout out to the Hoo Crew members who made it down to cheer for the good guys!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Lots of Wahoo fans traveled to Cary for the game! Including lots of students! About ready for the 2nd half! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gohoos?src=hash">#gohoos</a> <a href="http://t.co/y7vYsPh5OP">pic.twitter.com/y7vYsPh5OP</a></p>— Wahoo Central (@WahooCentral) <a href="https://twitter.com/WahooCentral/status/544192192542425088">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
As time wore on, the Hoos continued to wear down the Bruins, thwarting their offensive pushes and countering on attack when they could. As many Virginia fans are now accustomed to, defense was the name of the game.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMenSoccer">@UVAMenSoccer</a> taking a page from <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMensHoops">@UVAMensHoops</a> running the pack line defense <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gohoos?src=hash">#gohoos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalChampionship?src=hash">#NationalChampionship</a></p>— Jeremy Farrell (@Jeremy_Farrell) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeremy_Farrell/status/544200931584520192">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Time ran out with the score the same as the opening kick off, and off to sudden-death (golden goal? Is that what it is now?) overtime starting. Overtime was mainly uneventful, save a few clutch moments from fifth year Calle Brown.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>GOOD SAVE CALLE BROWN AND THANK YOU YOU WONDERFUL MAN</p>— StreakingTheLawn.com (@TheUVAFool) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUVAFool/status/544207766479704065">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Calle Brown <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UVa?src=hash">#UVa</a> fans love you. Great save by the keeper.</p>— Jacquie Franciulli (@JacquieFran_) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacquieFran_/status/544207881315549184">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Overtime. No score. Drama reigns supreme.
Penalty kicks.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>They should have just started this game with the penalty kicks and cut out the middle man. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UVa?src=hash">#UVa</a></p>— Tucker Martin (@jtuckermartin) <a href="https://twitter.com/jtuckermartin/status/544212801300877312">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Well I really didn't need that inner lining to my stomach...</p>— Yosemite_Ham (@lambethfield) <a href="https://twitter.com/lambethfield/status/544212870658269185">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Hold your breath, Hoo Crew. We are headed to PKs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHoos?src=hash">#GoHoos</a></p>— Hoo Crew (@UVaHooCrew) <a href="https://twitter.com/UVaHooCrew/status/544213013566599169">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Just like against Georgetown, the Hoos would shoot first.
Everyone was feeling the stress.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Biting my nails off right now for the boys <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHoos?src=hash">#GoHoos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PKs?src=hash">#PKs</a></p>— akil mitchell (@ajmitchell25) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajmitchell25/status/544214552666054656">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Todd Wharton crushed his first. UCLA evened it up at 1-1.
Bruins goalie Earl Edwards Jr. saves Scott Thomsen's shot...
oh crap.
BUT UCLA HITS THE CROSSBAR.
Reserve Sam Hayward, who hadn't played a minute all game, came in and smoked it. The beard must provide the strength.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>If <a href="https://twitter.com/UVACoachOConnor">@UVACoachOConnor</a> put me in in a HR Derby to win a National Championship after not playing the entire game. I'd poop my pants</p>— Will C (@WillC_45) <a href="https://twitter.com/WillC_45/status/544214664071352320">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
UCLA up again and...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>UCLA misses again!!!!!!!</p>— Tim Mulholland (@Tim_STL) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_STL/status/544214583154843648">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>MORE CROSSBAR</p>— EmbraceThePace (@EmbracePaceUVA) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmbracePaceUVA/status/544214626553303041">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>CLANG.</p>— Justin Ferber (@Justin_Ferber) <a href="https://twitter.com/Justin_Ferber/status/544214614318538752">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
HOOS UP 2-1!!
Patrick Foss snakes his way up on a long approach, and calmly puts it away.
UCLA's Larry Ndjock scored for the Bruins, giving Virginia's fifth shooter a chance to seal the win.
Riggs Lennon, boasting possibly the greatest name in college soccer, stepped up to the ball...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>FOR THE NATTY C <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CollegeCup?src=hash">#CollegeCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMenSoccer">@UVAMenSoccer</a> HERE WE GO</p>— Brett Hughes (@Brett_Hughes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brett_Hughes/status/544214725043961859">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
and buried it.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WZqLWXh4LSc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!! HOOS DO IT!!! CONGRATULATIONS <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UVA?src=hash">#UVA</a> MEN’S SOCCER!!! THAT’S SEVEN!!</p>— StreakingTheLawn.com (@TheUVAFool) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUVAFool/status/544215134890393602">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>WOW...add another piece of hardware to the trophy case!!! Congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMenSoccer">@UVAMenSoccer</a> on a 7th national title!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DefenseWinsChampionships?src=hash">#DefenseWinsChampionships</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UVa?src=hash">#UVa</a></p>— Dave Koehn (@wahoovoice) <a href="https://twitter.com/wahoovoice/status/544215648117985280">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>National Champs! <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMenSoccer">@UVAMenSoccer</a> defeats UCLA in penalty kicks to win the seventh national title in program history!</p>— ACC Men's Soccer (@ACCMSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACCMSoccer/status/544215120059301888">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The win gave Virginia their 21st National Championship in school history, and the seventh for Men's Soccer. There was an outpouring of support, and deservedly so.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>YES!!!! Way to Go <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMenSoccer">@UVAMenSoccer</a>. 7th NCAA Championship!!</p>— UVa Women's Soccer (@UVaWSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/UVaWSoccer/status/544215289408540673">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Huge shoutout to <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMenSoccer">@UVAMenSoccer</a> and my boy <a href="https://twitter.com/scottythomsen">@scottythomsen</a> on the win in PKs!! National Champs!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHoos?src=hash">#GoHoos</a></p>— Brandon Waddell (@BWaddell20) <a href="https://twitter.com/BWaddell20/status/544216249937711104">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>UVA UVA UVA!!!! Ahhhh <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMenSoccer">@UVAMenSoccer</a> National Champs!!!</p>— Daniel Pinero (@danypinero) <a href="https://twitter.com/danypinero/status/544216224989986816">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Ayyyy Waddup <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMenSoccer">@UVAMenSoccer</a> congrats!! Go head Bring that on Home now!! Natty Champs! </p>— DLee (@DatBoiLee40) <a href="https://twitter.com/DatBoiLee40/status/544215959146622977">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMenSoccer">@UVAMenSoccer</a> on winning the NCAA title!</p>— Virginia Volleyball (@UVAVolleyball) <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAVolleyball/status/544216984427061248">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I know Kobe passed MJ tonight, but media not gona let that take the shine from the bros on the <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMenSoccer">@UVAMenSoccer</a> team!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHoos?src=hash">#GoHoos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NattyChamps?src=hash">#NattyChamps</a> ⚽️</p>— Justin Anderson (@JusAnderson1) <a href="https://twitter.com/JusAnderson1/status/544311852529098753">December 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>A big congrats to <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMenSoccer">@UVAMenSoccer</a>, Coach Gelnovatch & his staff on winning the program's seventh NCAA title today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHoos?src=hash">#GoHoos</a></p>— Virginia Lacrosse (@UVAMensLacrosse) <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMensLacrosse/status/544248326557024256">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMenSoccer">@UVaMenSoccer</a> on the national title win over UCLA! Awesome job guys! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHoos?src=hash">#GoHoos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UVaNattyChamps?src=hash">#UVaNattyChamps</a></p>— UVa Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMensHoops/status/544236495323033601">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Congrats UVA Men's soccer! Champs!</p>— Christopher Long (@JOEL9ONE) <a href="https://twitter.com/JOEL9ONE/status/544224311226417152">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
There were some that weren't too excited about Virginia's strategy (including UCLA coach Jorge Salcedo). What say you, Mr. Corriveau?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>To everyone that's complaining about how we shouldn't have won and how we just parked the bus: I can't see you behind this big ass trophy</p>— nicko corriveau (@ncorriveau123) <a href="https://twitter.com/ncorriveau123/status/544305885477347328">December 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Agreed.
Congratulations to the NATIONAL CHAMPION Virginia Cavaliers. We are proud of you...thanks for bringing the hardware back to Charlottesville.
Oh, and what's that?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>HOOS! We've won more national championships today than Virginia Tech has ever won.</p>— Jake Bloom (@Bloombox) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bloombox/status/544227018783879168">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>National Championships in Virginia <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Virginia?src=hash">#Virginia</a> - 21 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeorgeMason?src=hash">#GeorgeMason</a> - 2 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JamesMadison?src=hash">#JamesMadison</a> - 2 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WilliamAndMary?src=hash">#WilliamAndMary</a> - 1 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Richmond?src=hash">#Richmond</a> - 1 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VirginiaTech?src=hash">#VirginiaTech</a> - 0</p>— Cavalier Blue (@CavalierBlue) <a href="https://twitter.com/CavalierBlue/status/544217098340532224">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
You earned it, Hoos. Enjoy it.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>. <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMenSoccer">@UVAMenSoccer</a> win their 7th NCAA championship: <a href="http://t.co/fakDNKne9t">http://t.co/fakDNKne9t</a> <a href="http://t.co/a0WCJC258b">pic.twitter.com/a0WCJC258b</a></p>— Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/544278185840746498">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Take it away, STL...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>(•_•) <) )╯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UVA?src=hash">#UVA</a> MSOC / \ \(•_•) ( (> NATIONAL / \ (•_•) <) )> CHAMPIONS / \</p>— StreakingTheLawn.com (@TheUVAFool) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUVAFool/status/544297185941020674">December 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Men's Basketball comes back this week against Cleveland State. Make sure you're at JPJ to welcome them home. As always, GO HOOS.