Wake Forest University
University of Virginia
Wake Forest Begins ACC Tournament Play Hosting Virginia
11/2/2021 4:48:00 PM | Men's Soccer
The Demon Deacons will match up with the Cavaliers in the first round of the ACC Men's Soccer Championship.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Wake Forest men's soccer begins postseason play on Wednesday night as the Demon Deacons will host Virginia in the first round of the ACC Men's Soccer Championship. Wake Forest is the No. 6 seed in the ACC Tournament while Virginia is the No. 11 seed.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. and the match will air nationally on the ACC Network.
Fan Information
A number of new fan experience enhancements are planned for the 2021 season. This includes expanded food and beverage options, including availability on Walt Chyzowych Alumni Hill, an enhanced in-game experience, featuring an expanded video board production with additional cameras, replay, and fan-engaging elements, as well as new immersive experiences to promote the unique culture that is known around professional and collegiate soccer.
Parking is encouraged in lots A, B, Q, W1 & W2. A complete parking map of campus is here.
Gates open at 7 p.m., or one hour prior to kickoff for all future home matches.
Wake Forest Athletics is committed to providing the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina within a safe and fan-friendly environment.
Complete fan information can be found here.
Ticket Information
For Wednesday's match all Wake Forest students, faculty and staff will receive free admission. Additionally, the Walt Chyzowych Alumni Hill will be free admission.
For those wishing to purchase single-game admission for Spry Stadium, advance purchases are highly encouraged. Single game chairback seats are available for only $25, while bleacher admission is $15.
The quickest and most efficient way to order tickets and take advantage of these new seating experiences is to visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets and purchase online or call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Complete ticket information for the season can be found here.
Health & Safety Protocols
Wake Forest Athletics works closely with Wake Forest University, Forsyth County and state officials to follow COVID-related guidelines for the safety of fans in attendance at Truist Field and all venues. While proof of vaccination is not currently required for spectators, we encourage vaccinations for all. We are proud that nearly 100% of Wake Forest Athletics student-athletes, staff and coaches are vaccinated, as required under University and Athletics policy. Currently, all academic buildings are closed to visitors, and masks are required in all indoor spaces. For additional information regarding steps the University is taking to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission on campus, we strongly encourage you to review the University's COVID-19 Notice.
Wake Forest has several gameday guidelines and strategies. First and foremost is required face coverings for all unvaccinated fans in attendance. Additionally, all fans must wear a mask indoors at all times, regardless of vaccination status. Wake Forest Athletics also requires all non-team personnel to be masked at all times inside the field enclosure.
The Matchup
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Wake Forest and Virginia will meet for the 61st time on Wednesday night as the two sides open up ACC Men's Soccer Championship action.
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Wake Forest trails in the all-time series 13-39-8 and is looking for its first postseason victory against the Cavaliers.
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The most recent meeting between the two sides came in 2020 when the No. 4 seeded Cavaliers took down the No. 1 seeded Demon Deacons 2-0 in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament.
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The Demon Deacons enter this match with a 10-5-1 record this season following a 2-0 win over Syracuse in the final regular season match of the campaign.
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The Cavaliers, meanwhile, hold a 6-8-3 record. Their most recent result was a 3-2 overtime loss to No. 13 Duke last Friday.
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Wake Forest won in six of its eight appearances in October. The Deacs outscored their opponents 24-7 during the month, highlighted by a 7-0 victory over Loyola Maryland and a 3-1 victory over then-No. 5 Virginia Tech.
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The Demon Deacons will look to snap a three-match losing streak against the Cavaliers during Wednesday's showdown.
Last Time Out
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Wake Forest ended the regular season with a 2-0 win over Syracuse at Spry Stadium to earn a 10th win on the campaign.
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The Demon Deacons have now reached a double-digit win total for 10-straight seasons and 34 times in the program's 41-year history.
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Freshman Babacar Niang made his first appearance since the regular season opener August 26 against VCU.
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Niang opened the scoring in the 39th minute when he weaved his way through two Syracuse defenders and struck a rocket past the goalkeeper. It was the freshman's first collegiate goal.
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Senior Kyle Holcomb found his eighth goal of the season when he scored just after the half time break.
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Freshman Trace Alphin recorded a season-high eight saves to preserve his first ACC clean sheet.
Quick Hits
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Alphin was named the ACC's Co-Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday following his performance against Syracuse. His eight saves were the most by a Demon Deacon goalkeeper since the 2016 season.
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Wake Forest is 7-1-0 this season when Holcomb scores.
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His 29 career goals are tied for the 16th-most amongst current active NCAA Division I players and third-most for ACC players.
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Wake Forest is hosting an ACC Tournament match for the 18th time in program history. The Demon Deacons are 8-7-2 in conference tournament action in Winston-Salem.
Scouting the Cavaliers
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Virginia enters the match with a 6-8-3 overall record as the Cavaliers dropped an overtime decision to Duke last Friday.
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The Cavaliers are 2-2-1 in their last five matches with victories over NC State and Mary Washington.
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Virginia was 1-4-0 away from Charlottesville this season.
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Nine different players have scored for Virginia this season, led by Leo Afonso's eight goals.
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Holden Brown has been in net for the Cavaliers for the entirety of the season to date, recording 76 saves with a 1.32 goals against average.
Looking Ahead
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If Wake Forest advances against Virginia, the Demon Deacons will face Duke in a quarterfinals match on Sunday in Durham.
