The University of Virginia’s men’s soccer program is set to begin its 2026 campaign on August 20, when the Cavaliers welcome UCLA to Klöckner Stadium in Charlottesville for a highly anticipated doubleheader. The match will kick off at 7 p.m. and will be streamed live on ACCNX, while the women’s team opens against La Salle at 4 p.m. Admission is free for all fans, and the first 500 students to arrive will receive a complimentary pizza from Papa John’s.
A Milestone Match at Klöckner Stadium
Virginia enters the new season riding a wave of momentum built over a stellar 2025 campaign that culminated in an outright ACC regular‑season title and a top seed in the ACC Tournament. The Cavaliers finished the year unbeaten in five ACC games and earned Coach of the Year honors for George Gelnovatch, who is now in his 31st season at the helm. Under Gelnovatch, Virginia boasts a 22‑7 record in season openers and a 10‑1 win streak in the last eleven.
The roster returns four players who started ten or more games in 2025, including defender Sebastian Pop and midfielder Marco Dos Santos, who are expected to anchor the backline and creative midfield. Adding to the story, UCLA assistant coach Sergi Nus, a former UVA standout and 2018 All‑ACC second‑team selection, will be on the Bruins’ bench, underscoring the personal connections between the programs.
Historically, the Cavaliers and Bruins have met in high‑stakes contests, most notably the 2014 NCAA Championship where Virginia prevailed 4‑2 on penalties after a 0‑0 draw. That victory contributed to Virginia’s seventh national title, while UCLA claims four championships of its own. Despite a current series record of 3‑7‑1 in favor of UCLA, both teams rank among the nation’s top five in total titles, setting the stage for another classic encounter.
Beyond the season opener, Virginia will host No. 16 High Point on August 24 in another home fixture streamed on ACCNX. The Cavaliers’ schedule reflects a demanding non‑conference slate, having faced ranked opponents such as No. 6 Louisville, No. 2 NC State and No. 1 Wake Forest in 2025, winning three of those four matchups. With a deep roster, a seasoned coaching staff, and a passionate fan base, the team looks poised to continue its ascent in the national conversation.